I wonder if anyone can help:

Question 1 - I have a character called James. When I mention his bag, should it be James' bag, or James's bag?

Question 2 - should it be "How weak did that sound, she thought?" or "How weak did that sound? she thought." I prefer the second option, but Word insists on capitalising "she".

Thanks.

Hi, Scotgal

1) According to Hart's Rules it should be James's. (the only time you don't add the 's is when there isn't a stress on the final syllable, going by how it sounds: e.g. Williams', not Williams's because you wouldn't say 'Williamses'

2) Don't let Word boss you about, but, odd as it seems, the conclusion seems to be that shouldn't actually be a question mark there at all. There's a discussion fairly recently on this one here:

http://www.writewords.org.uk/forum/65_137409.asp

Emma

I'm a James and my second name is William and Emma is absolutely right

JB

Thank you so much for your quick replies. I'd better get back to work now!

Scotgal