English Language & Usage Asked by whippoorwill on September 8, 2020
"The Best Punctuation Book, Period," by June Casagrande, says that, when forming the possessive of text in quotation marks, we do this:
“Casablanca” ’s best scene
I love it!
The ending double quotation marks are followed by a thin space; then the single possessive apostrophe is placed before the "s" — exactly as shown above.
This is strictly opinion based upon the mechanics (and logic) of punctuation.
My question is: If the possessive title in quotes ends in an "s," how would we punctuate it?
In Set 1 below, the ending double quote marks are followed by a thin space, then the single possessive apostrophe.
Set 1
“The Sopranos” ’ cast…
“Game of Thrones” ’ success…
“Field of Dreams” ’ box-office success
In Set 2 below, the single possessive apostrophe comes directly after the ending "s" (in each example) followed by a thin space and the ending double quote marks.
Set 2
“The Sopranos’ ” cast…
“Game of Thrones’ ” success…
“Field of Dreams’ ” box-office success
Is Set 1 or Set 2 technically correct with regard to the placement of the ending quote marks?
No style guide has shown how to write the possessive of a quoted title.
Therefore, you have three options.
Option 1: Recast
Instead of using possessive apostrophes, just write:
The cast of "The Sopranos"
Option 2: Italicize
Instead of quoting the names, just italicize them (even though it may not align with style guides):
The Sopranos's cast
Note: "The Sopranos" is singular, not plural. Therefore you add an apostrophe + "s" to make it plural.
Option 3: Improvise
It isn't in the style guides, so you can do whatever you want! Do whatever is the most logical to you.
Answered by John B. on September 8, 2020
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