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But to knowledge, the apostrophe "s" represent or it means "of". Take a look at this - Katie's book. Translate to book of Katie.

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That's right. In many languages, you would say "the book of Katie" but in English, "Katie's book" is much more natural and common.

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Very interesting! I worked in Latin America and of course the name "Carlos" would be such a headache for my former students. Thanks Katie!

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It's complicated, isn't it?! Personally, I would say and write "Carlos's book" but "Carlos' book" is also possible. If someone says "Carlos' book" with one S sound, the listener might hear "Carlo's book" though as "Carlo" is a name in some countries, I think!

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You are right! the sound changes the name. I would say "Carlos´s book" I guess because my first language is Spanish and we tend to exaggerate syllables sounds with "s", like "stand up" they would say "e'stand up" and I would politely correct my students by doing the snake sound sssstand up, there is no vowel sound at the beginning :).

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I think my instinct would be to write "Dumas' novel," but I see where you are coming from on the basis of consistency. It's awesome to get your insight as a British English instructor. I'm from the States but I live in Argentina, and most English students prepare for the Oxford Test of English and study British English intensively. Thank you for sharing! ❤️

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That’s interesting that Argentinian students want to learn British English. We did get a few South American students at the language school where I used to work, especially when it was winter here and summer there.

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I want to learn English

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You're in the right place!

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