close
close
united states' or united states's

united states' or united states's

less than a minute read 05-02-2025
united states' or united states's

The United States: Possessive or Not?

The question of whether to use "United States'" or "United States's" often trips up writers. It's a matter of understanding the rules of possessive nouns, specifically those that are already plural. Let's unravel the mystery.

Understanding Possessives

In English, we show possession by adding an apostrophe and an "s" ('s) to singular nouns (e.g., "the cat's toy"). With plural nouns already ending in "s," we generally just add an apostrophe ('). For example, "the cats' toys."

The Case of the United States

The United States is a plural noun (it refers to multiple states). Following the general rule for plural possessives, the correct form is United States'. Therefore, you'd write:

  • The United States' history is rich and complex.
  • The United States' foreign policy has evolved significantly.
  • The United States' involvement in World War II was pivotal.

Why the Confusion?

The length of "United States'" might lead some to mistakenly add an "s," resulting in "United States's." However, this is grammatically incorrect and creates an awkward phrasing. The apostrophe alone is sufficient to indicate possession.

When to Use "United States of America"

While "United States'" is generally preferred for brevity, using the full name "United States of America" is also acceptable, especially in formal contexts. In this case, the possessive would be "United States of America's." This is less common due to its length.

  • The United States of America's founding fathers established a unique system of government.

Examples in Context

Here are a few more examples demonstrating the correct usage:

  • "The United States' influence on global affairs is undeniable."
  • "Understanding the United States' economic policies requires a deep dive into its history."
  • "A study of the United States' political system reveals its complexities."

Conclusion

While the seemingly simple possessive of "United States" might be tricky, remembering the general rules of plural possessives makes it clear: Use United States'. It's grammatically correct, concise, and avoids unnecessary awkwardness. While "United States of America's" is technically correct, it’s generally less preferred due to its length. Sticking to "United States'" will ensure your writing is both accurate and elegant.

Related Posts


Latest Posts