Many people get confused when writing business’s or business’. Should you add another “s” after the apostrophe, or stop at the apostrophe? This confusion comes up often when showing possession, such as the business’s growth or the business’ growth.
The reason people search for this is because both look correct, and usage rules vary depending on style guides and English varieties. Writers, students, and professionals want a clear answer so they don’t make mistakes in emails, reports, or essays.
In this article, we’ll explain the difference between business’s and business’, the rules behind each, and how British and American English treat the apostrophe. By the end, you’ll know which form to use for your audience and avoid common grammar errors.
Business’s or Business’? – Quick Answer
Both business’s and business’ can be correct.
- Business’s → Most style guides (APA, Chicago, MLA) recommend adding ’s to show possession, even if the word ends with “s.”
✅ Example: The business’s success depends on its employees. - Business’ → Some guides (AP Style, older British English rules) drop the extra “s” after the apostrophe for ease.
✅ Example: The business’ growth surprised everyone.
The Origin of Business’s or Business’
The possessive apostrophe rule comes from Old English, where endings showed ownership. Over time, the ’s ending became standard. However, with singular nouns ending in “s,” writers debated whether the final “s” should stay or be dropped.
This debate created two acceptable forms: business’s and business’. The choice often depends on tradition, pronunciation, and clarity.
British English vs American English Spelling
| Form | American English | British English | Notes |
| Business’s | ✅ Preferred (Chicago, APA, MLA) | ✅ Acceptable | Clearer and more common today |
| Business’ | ✅ Acceptable (AP Style) | ✅ Traditional (older use) | Still seen, but less common |
In short: US English leans toward “business’s,” while UK English accepts both.
Which Spelling Should You Use?
- US Audience: Use business’s to align with modern grammar guides.
- UK/Commonwealth Audience: Both forms are acceptable, though business’s is becoming more standard.
- Global Audience: To avoid confusion, business’s is the safest choice.
Common Mistakes with Business’s or Business’
- Using business’s for plural nouns.
❌ Wrong: All the business’s are closed today.
✅ Correct: All the businesses are closed today. - Mixing up possessive with plural.
❌ Wrong: The business’ are booming.
✅ Correct: The businesses are booming. - Overusing the apostrophe in non-possessive cases.
❌ Wrong: The business’s offer’s are good.
✅ Correct: The business’s offers are good.
Business’s or Business’ in Everyday Examples
- Emails: Our business’s policy has changed this year.
- News: The business’ profits grew by 20% last quarter.
- Social Media: Proud of our small business’s success!
- Formal Writing: The business’s long-term vision ensures stability.
Business’s or Business’? – Google Trends & Usage Data
Search data shows:
- Business’s is more popular in the US.
- Business’ appears more in UK sources, especially older writing.
- Globally, business’s is trending higher due to consistency in academic and professional style guides.
| Country | More Common Form | Notes |
| USA | Business’s | Matches APA/Chicago styles |
| UK | Both | Business’ still seen |
| Canada | Business’s | APA/Chicago influence |
| Australia | Both | Mixed usage |
| India | Business’s | Academic standard |
FAQs about Business’s or Business’
1. Which is more correct: business’s or business’?
Both are correct, but business’s is the modern standard.
2. Does AP Style use business’s or business’?
AP Style recommends business’ for ease of reading.
3. Can I use business’s in academic writing?
Yes. Academic styles like APA and MLA prefer business’s.
4. Why do some people drop the extra “s”?
It’s a matter of tradition and making pronunciation easier.
5. Is “business’” wrong in British English?
No. It’s acceptable, though less common today.
6. Should I avoid business’?
If writing globally, yes—stick to business’s.
7. Is there a difference in meaning?
No. Both forms mean the same; only style differs.
Conclusion
The question of “business’s or business’” confuses many writers, but both forms are correct depending on context. Business’s is the clearer and more widely accepted option, especially in US English and academic writing. Business’ is still used, particularly in UK writing and AP Style journalism, but it is less common.
When writing for an international audience, choose business’s for consistency. Remember, the key mistake to avoid is confusing plural nouns with possessive forms. If you keep audience, context, and style guides in mind, you’ll always know which form to use confidently.
Using the right possessive form not only improves your grammar but also makes your writing look polished, professional, and credible. Learn when to use business’s or business’ with clear rules, examples, and grammar tips for US, UK, and global writing.
