Homework help please - Thomas' coat or Thomas's coat?

[MrsFogi]

I must admit I am stumped on this one - dc is not sure, nor am I and I am getting conflicting answers on the net. But I know the Pedants of mn will know The Answer .

[tribpot]

The Economist says Thomas's. I learnt that you can use either as long as you are consistent!

[PartyConfused]

Pretty sure both are correct, but personally prefer Thomas'.

[NigellasDealer]

whichever you prefer, my surname ends with S so have given this one some thought. consistency is the key.

[HenriettaTurkey]

I thought that usually with one s it's s' and with two it's ss's unless it's a proper noun, like Thomas, in which case it's s's.

[Finickynotfussy]

Both are correct. I think in Eats Shoots and Leaves she says the s' is for famous names e.g. for the Bible Thomas it should be Thomas' not Thomas's.

[Lancelottie]

I'd do it the way you say it -- so Thomas's.

I'm an editor, and even our style guide refuses to commit itself. It just says "Please specify whether you have used James' or James's' throughout."

[80sMum]

Thomas's.