Understanding the correct possessive form of “witness” can be tricky, especially when you’re writing legal documents, court transcripts, or academic essays. You may have seen all of the following forms used somewhere:
- witness’s
- witness’
- witnesses’
But which one is correct? And why is there so much confusion? This article will break it all down using real examples, grammar rules, style guides, and plain English. Let’s make this grammar puzzle simple and crystal clear.
What Does “Witness” Mean?
Before diving into grammar, let’s clarify the word itself. A witness is a person who sees an event happen, especially a crime or accident, and might testify about it. In legal settings, witnesses play a critical role in court proceedings.
So naturally, when writing about the possessions or statements of a witness, you need to use the correct possessive form. This is where people start second-guessing.
Singular vs Plural Forms: Witness or Witnesses?
- Singular: witness
Example: “The witness gave her testimony.” - Plural: witnesses
Example: “The witnesses arrived late to court.”
This distinction matters because possessive forms change based on whether the noun is singular or plural. Let’s go deeper.
Forming Possessives
Singular Possessive Nouns
To make a singular noun possessive, add ‘s.
“The witness’s statement was compelling.”
This shows that the statement belongs to the witness.
Plural Possessive Nouns
For plural nouns ending in -s, simply add an apostrophe after the final s.
“The witnesses’ statements conflicted with each other.”
This means the statements belong to more than one witness.
The Main Debate: Witness’s or Witness’?
Here comes the core issue: Should you write witness’s or witness’?
Let’s look at both options.
Witness’s (with apostrophe + s)
This is the traditional and most widely accepted form in modern American English.
Example: “I couldn’t hear the witness’s voice.”
This format aligns with most style guides, including:
- Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS)
- Modern Language Association (MLA)
- American Psychological Association (APA)
They all recommend adding ‘s to form the singular possessive, even when the word ends in s.
Witness’ (apostrophe only)
This is more common in Associated Press (AP) style, which is often used in journalism. AP style prefers just an apostrophe for singular proper nouns ending in s, especially to keep things brief.
Example (AP style): “The witness’ testimony was printed in the newspaper.”
But remember: “Witness” is not a proper noun. So even in AP style, it’s safer to use witness’s.
Which is Correct: Witness’s or Witness’?
Short answer: Most of the time, witness’s is the correct choice.
Use witness’s when showing possession by a single witness.
The only exception might be if you’re following strict AP Style guidelines or writing headlines where brevity is essential. Otherwise, grammar authorities favor witness’s.
Witnesses’ or Witness’s: Understanding the Plural Possessive
When you’re talking about something belonging to more than one witness, the correct form is witnesses’.
“The witnesses’ conflicting stories confused the jury.”
Notice the placement of the apostrophe after the “s” in witnesses’. That’s the standard rule for most plural possessive nouns that end in -s.
So when do you use:
- witnesses’ or witness’s?
It depends on how many people you’re referring to:
- One person: witness’s
- Multiple people: witnesses’
Examples of Each Form in Real Sentences
Let’s clarify with some real-world examples.
Using “witness’s”
- “The witness’s car was parked outside the courthouse.”
- “She doubted the witness’s memory of the event.”
Using “witnesses'”
- “All the witnesses’ statements were reviewed by the judge.”
- “The witnesses’ lawyer spoke first.”
Using “witness'” (less common, AP style)
- “According to the witness’ account, the lights flickered.”
This last form is rarely preferred unless you’re following a specific journalistic guideline.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Mistake #1: Mixing Up Singular and Plural
Incorrect: “The witnesses’s story made no sense.”
Correct: “The witnesses’ story made no sense.”
Mistake #2: Adding Apostrophes to Plurals That Aren’t Possessive
Incorrect: “There were five witness’s.”
Correct: “There were five witnesses.”
Reminder: Don’t use an apostrophe to make something plural!
Style Guide Preferences: CMOS vs AP vs Legal Writing
Chicago Manual of Style
- Recommends witness’s for the singular possessive.
AP Style
- Recommends just an apostrophe for some singular proper nouns ending in s, but still suggests ‘s for most common nouns.
So witness’s is generally correct even in AP style.
Legal Documents
Legal writing aims for clarity and precision, so you’ll often see witness’s to clearly show possession. When referring to multiple people, always use witnesses’.
Quick Reference Table
| Situation | Correct Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| One witness owns something | witness’s | “The witness’s notes were missing.” |
| Multiple witnesses own something | witnesses’ | “The witnesses’ stories conflicted.” |
| Not possessive, just plural | witnesses | “Three witnesses were called.” |
| AP-style singular possessive (optional) | witness’ | “The witness’ interview was broadcasted.” |
Helpful Tips to Remember
- If you’re ever stuck, rewrite the sentence:
Instead of “The witness’s testimony…” you might say “The testimony of the witness…” - Always identify whether you’re dealing with one witness or several witnesses first.
- If you’re writing something official, follow the required style guide (APA, AP, MLA, CMOS, etc).
Real-Life Example: Using Correct Possessives in Courtroom Writing
Imagine a courtroom transcript:
“The witness’s account contradicted the defense. However, several witnesses’ observations supported the prosecution.”
This sentence uses both forms correctly, depending on singular or plural context. Lawyers, clerks, and legal writers need to be especially sharp with this kind of detail.
Let’s say attorney Sarah Nguyen is drafting her report:
“I examined the witness’s behavior. Then I reviewed the witnesses’ previous interviews.”
Perfect grammar, crystal clear meaning.
Conclusion
So, is it witness’ or witness’s or witnesses’?
Here’s your cheat sheet:
- Use witness’s when one witness owns something.
- Use witnesses’ when multiple witnesses own something.
- Avoid witness’ unless following AP style.
- Never use an apostrophe just to make “witness” plural.
Always consider whether you’re using the singular or plural possessive of witness. That’s the golden rule.
Grammar may feel like a courtroom cross-examination, but with clear rules and some good examples, you’ll always get the verdict right.
Now you know whether to write witness’ or witness’s or witnesses’ and you can do it with total confidence.
