Punctuation is used to clarify the meaning of written or printed language. Well-planned word order requires a minimum of punctuation. The trend toward less punctuation calls for skillful phrasing to avoid ambiguity and to ensure exact interpretation. The GPO Style Manual can only offer general rules of text treatment. A rigid design or pattern of punctuation cannot be laid down, except in broad terms. The adopted style, however, must be consistent and based on sentence structure.
The general principles governing the use of punctuation are: If it does not clarify the text it should be omitted; and, in the choice and placing of punctuation marks, the sole aim should be to bring out more clearly the author's thought. Punctuation should aid reading and prevent misreading.
The possessive case of a singular or plural noun not ending in s is formed by adding an apostrophe and s. The possessive case of a singular or plural noun ending in s or with an s sound is formed by adding an apostrophe only. Some irregular plurals require both an apostrophe and an s. (For possessives of italicized nouns, see rule 11.6.)
- boss', bosses'
- child's, children's
- citizen's, citizens'
- Congress', Congresses'
- criterion's, criteria's
- Co.'s, Cos.'
- erratum's, errata's
- hostess', hostesses'
- lady's, ladies'
- man's, men's
- medium's, media's
- people's, peoples'
- Essex's, Essexes'
- Jones', Joneses'
- Jesus'
- Mars'
- Dumas'
- Schmitz'
In compound nouns, the 's is added to the element nearest the object possessed.
- comptroller general's decision
- attorney at law's fee
- attorneys general's appointments
- John White, Jr.'s (no comma) account
- Mr. Brown of New York's motion
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