Apostrophe After a Last Name: When and Why

Using an apostrophe after a last name can seem confusing. Do you need it for singular possessive form or plural? This guide will explore the intricacies of using an apostrophe after a last name, breaking down the rules and providing numerous examples for clarity.
1. **Smith's:** This indicates possession by one person named Smith. Example: "Smith's car is red."
2. **Joneses':** This indicates possession by multiple people named Jones. Example: "The Joneses' house is on the corner."
3. **Williams':** This indicates possession by a group of people, either a family or a company named Williams. Example: "Williams' new product is innovative."
4. **Brown's:** This indicates possession by one person named Brown. Example: "Brown's book is best-selling."
5. **Garcia's:** This indicates possession by one person named Garcia. Example: "Garcia's painting is beautiful."
6. **Rodriguez':** This indicates possession by one person named Rodriguez. Example: "Rodriguez's speech was inspiring."
7. **Wilson's:** This indicates possession by one person named Wilson. Example: "Wilson's dog is friendly."
8. **Davis':** This indicates possession by one person named Davis. Example: "Davis's idea is brilliant."
9. **Miller's:** This indicates possession by one person named Miller. Example: "Miller's garden is flourishing."
10. **Moore's:** This indicates possession by one person named Moore. Example: "Moore's restaurant is delicious."
11. **Taylor's:** This indicates possession by one person named Taylor. Example: "Taylor's music is captivating."
12. **Anderson's:** This indicates possession by one person named Anderson. Example: "Anderson's photography is stunning."
13. **Thomas's:** This indicates possession by one person named Thomas. Example: "Thomas's invention is groundbreaking."
14. **Jackson's:** This indicates possession by one person named Jackson. Example: "Jackson's performance was electrifying."
15. **White's:** This indicates possession by one person named White. Example: "White's house is charming."
16. **Harris's:** This indicates possession by one person named Harris. Example: "Harris's research is insightful."
17. **Martin's:** This indicates possession by one person named Martin. Example: "Martin's sculpture is impressive."
18. **Thompson's:** This indicates possession by one person named Thompson. Example: "Thompson's novel is gripping."
19. **Garcia's:** This indicates possession by one person named Garcia. Example: "Garcia's painting is beautiful."
20. **Martinez's:** This indicates possession by one person named Martinez. Example: "Martinez's presentation was engaging."
21. **Robinson's:** This indicates possession by one person named Robinson. Example: "Robinson's company is successful."
22. **Clark's:** This indicates possession by one person named Clark. Example: "Clark's blog is informative."
23. **Lewis's:** This indicates possession by one person named Lewis. Example: "Lewis's design is elegant."
24. **Lee's:** This indicates possession by one person named Lee. Example: "Lee's invention is groundbreaking."
25. **Walker's:** This indicates possession by one person named Walker. Example: "Walker's store is popular."
26. **Hall's:** This indicates possession by one person named Hall. Example: "Hall's music is relaxing."
27. **Allen's:** This indicates possession by one person named Allen. Example: "Allen's book is well-written."
28. **Young's:** This indicates possession by one person named Young. Example: "Young's ideas are innovative."
29. **Hernandez's:** This indicates possession by one person named Hernandez. Example: "Hernandez's food is delicious."
30. **King's:** This indicates possession by one person named King. Example: "King's speech was persuasive."
31. **Wright's:** This indicates possession by one person named Wright. Example: "Wright's architecture is inspiring."
32. **Lopez's:** This indicates possession by one person named Lopez. Example: "Lopez's dance performance was captivating."
33. **Hill's:** This indicates possession by one person named Hill. Example: "Hill's painting is breathtaking."
34. **Scott's:** This indicates possession by one person named Scott. Example: "Scott's novel is thrilling."
35. **Green's:** This indicates possession by one person named Green. Example: "Green's garden is lush."
36. **Adams's:** This indicates possession by one person named Adams. Example: "Adams's research is groundbreaking."
37. **Baker's:** This indicates possession by one person named Baker. Example: "Baker's bread is delicious."
38. **Gonzalez's:** This indicates possession by one person named Gonzalez. Example: "Gonzalez's photography is stunning."
39. **Nelson's:** This indicates possession by one person named Nelson. Example: "Nelson's company is successful."
40. **Carter's:** This indicates possession by one person named Carter. Example: "Carter's music is catchy."