Answer:
Punctuation is used to clarify the meaning of written or printed
language. Well-planned word order requires a minimum of punc-
tuation. Th e trend toward less punctuation calls for skillful phrasing
to avoid ambiguity and to ensure exact interpretation. Th e GPO
Style Manual can off er only general rules of text treatment. A
rigid design or pattern of punctuation cannot be laid down, except
in broad terms. Th e adopted style, however, must be consistent and
based on sentence structure.
8.2. Th e general principles governing the use of punctuation are: If it
does not clarify the text it should be omitted; and, in the choice and
placing of punctuation marks, the sole aim should be to bring out
more clearly the author’s thought. Punctuation should aid reading
and prevent misreading.
Apostrophes and possessives
8.3. Th e possessive case of a singular or plural noun not ending in s is
formed by adding an apostrophe and s. Th e possessive case of a sin-
gular or plural noun ending in s or with an s sound is formed by
adding an apostrophe only. Some irregular plurals require both an
apostrophe and an s. (For possessives of italicized nouns, see rule
11.6.)
boss’, bosses’ man’s, men’s
child’s, children’s medium’s, media’s
citizen’s, citizens’ people’s, peoples’
Congress’, Congresses’ Essex’s, Essexes’
criterion’s, criteria’s Jones’, Joneses’
Co.’s, Cos.’ Jesus’
erratum’s, errata’s Mars’
hostess’, hostesses’ Dumas’
lady’s, ladies’ Schmitz’
8.4. In compound nouns, the ’s is added to the element nearest the object
possessed.
comptroller general’s decision attorney at law’s fee
attorneys general’s appointments John White, Jr.’s (no comma) account
Mr. Brown of New York’