This one always gets me, if a person's name ends in s, do you add an apostrophe only or an apostrophe s for the possessive?

Also when you've got a construction like: 'the trouble is, is I can't work this out', do you ditch one of the 'is'?

Pete

<Added>

Whilst I'm bothering people, what would be the past participle of 'to henna': henna'd? hennaed?

Hi Pete

I'm sure it's just an apostrophe, eg Charles' wife.

I would put 'the trouble is that I can't work it out', but not so sure on this one.

According to the online dictionary the past participle is 'hennaed'.

Sammy

1) I had this trouble with a character called Lewis. Apparently either option is acceptable as long as you're consistent. In the end I opted for Lewis’s because, when it’s spoken, the s is pronounced twice. I think if the s at the end of the name was silent (and I can't think of an example right now) I would probably leave off the second s.

2) That example doesn’t make sense to me with the repeat of ‘is’. I would definitely cut the second one.

3) Definitely no apostrophe! Use hennaed.

Dee

I looked this up recently in the bible, Judith Butcher's Copy Editing. She says it should be 'decided on the grounds of euphony', to which end either of two rules can work:

monosyllables, disyllables and longer words with the accent on the penultimate syllable should have an 's, so: Fliss's and Thomas's and... can't find any kind of polysyllabic surname ending in s on my shelves.

or

's should be used except when the last syllable of the name is pronounced 'iz', so: Bridges', Moses', but James's, Dickens's.

My sister's husband is called Giles, and she can never decide.

With 'the trouble is' I think I go by what sounds right for the voice.

Emma

Thanks everyone - v. interesting the s/z thing.

Pete

You can do it either way, although some publications/style guides opt for one over the other. For my part I always use the apostrophe alone, just can't bear s's!!!! But that's me.

I would write hennaed, but let me check my Encarta in case it has something to say about it: yes, Encarta gives 'hennaed' also.

Oh, and in that second sentence, the 'is' has no place ever. You could say 'The trouble is that I can't work this out' or 'The trouble is that I can't work this out.'

Subject + linking verb + predicate :
the trouble = I can't work this out

Thanks Anne

er... can I talk Falmouth with you at some point, we're thinking of moving there and it would be great to get your views...

Pete

God I am such a patronising schmuck. Yes, you can use that 'is' in that sentence, although it is rather awkward, isn't it? Kick me. Please, someone kick me hard!

Pete -- Saw your comment about Falmouth. Yes, please - WWmail me. BTW my partner is a boat fanatic. (Just checked your profile, which is why I tell you this!)

Ani

No, no, sorry, no, you should not have that second 'is' Just looked at it again.

I am going to shut up now.

Thanks Anne, I think I know what you mean! I'll be in touch re Falmouth, we've had a few amazing evenings moored on the mud at the top of Rhuan Creek, NOBODY around for days on end...


Emma

Just gone back over your post and want to say thanks for a reply which obviously took you quite a bit of time and digging. Thanks.

Pete