Else’s vs Elses: The Tiny Grammar Detail Everyone Gets Wrong

We’ve all paused mid-sentence—is it “someone else’s” or “someone elses”? Why does this tiny apostrophe cause so much confusion? If you’re writing an email, filling out a form, or posting on social media, using the wrong spelling can undermine your professionalism.

The keyword “else’s / elses” is searched by thousands every month, not because it’s complex, but because English grammar rules often trip us up.

This article cuts through the clutter. We’ll explain the correct form, why it’s used, and how to avoid common mistakes. Whether you’re a student, writer, or professional, you’ll learn to use “else’s” confidently. Let’s solve this grammar puzzle once and for all.

Else’s / Elses

The correct spelling is else’s. Never use “elses.” The word “else” means “other” or “in addition.” To show possession, you always add ’s.
Examples:

• That is someone else’s coat.
• I need everyone else’s opinion.
• Is this anyone else’s phone?

“Elses” is always incorrect. Remember: “else” + ’s = correct.

The Origin of “Else’s”

The word “else” comes from Old English elles, meaning “other” or “otherwise.” It has always functioned as an adverb or adjective, never a noun. Because it isn’t a noun, it doesn’t form a plural like “cats” or “dogs.” Instead, to show possession—like “the coat of someone else”—English uses the possessive apostrophe + s.

The confusion with “elses” arises when people mistakenly treat “else” as a plural noun. However, “else” refers to an unspecified “other,” so the possessive form is constant: else’s.

British English vs. American English Spelling

Both British and American English use else’s. There is no difference in spelling for this term. However, broader rules about possessives can vary slightly, though not for “else.”

Key Rule: For singular indefinite pronouns (someone, anyone, everyone, nobody) followed by “else,” always add ’s to “else.”

Comparison Table:

Context	American English	British English
Standard Possessive	someone else’s	someone else’s
Plural Possessive	everyone else’s	everyone else’s
Informal Usage	Who else’s?	Who else’s?
Alternative Phrasing	somebody else’s	somebody else’s

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Which Spelling Should You Use?

• In the US: Use else’s. “Elses” is incorrect.
• In the UK/Commonwealth: Use else’s. Same rule applies.
• For Global/Formal Writing (Business, Academia): Always use else’s. Using “elses” may be flagged as a spelling error.

Audience-Based Advice:

• Students: Use “else’s” in essays and exams.
• Professionals: Use “else’s” in reports, emails, and presentations.
• Content Writers: Use “else’s” for SEO and clarity—it matches user search intent.

Common Mistakes with “Else’s”

1. Using “Elses”: Incorrect: “I need to collect everyone elses forms.”
   Correct: “I need to collect everyone else’s forms.”
2. Misplacing the Apostrophe: Incorrect: “someones else coat.”
   Correct: “someone else’s coat.”
3. Omitting the Apostrophe in Writing: While “else’s” sounds like “elses” in speech, in writing, the apostrophe is essential.

Else’s in Everyday Examples

• Email: “Please review someone else’s proposal.”
• News Headline: “The policy impacts everyone else’s finances.”
• Social Media: “Just borrowed anyone else’s charger?”
• Formal Writing: “The study considered nobody else’s findings.”

Google Trends & Usage Data

Searches for “else’s” and “elses” peak during academic periods (September, January). The US, UK, Canada, Australia, and India show the highest query volumes. “Someone else’s” is the most searched phrase, indicating user intent for clarity on possessive forms.

Data confirms “else’s” is searched 10x more than “elses,” aligning with correct usage. Google’s algorithms prioritize accurate, -compliant content, so using “else’s” naturally improves .

Comparison Table:

Correct Form	Incorrect Form	Example Sentence
someone else’s	someone elses	That is someone else’s seat.
everyone else’s	everyone elses	Everyone else’s answers were different.
anyone else’s	anyone elses	Is this anyone else’s bag?
no one else’s	no one elses	It’s no one else’s business.
who else’s	who elses	Who else’s car is here?

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FAQs about Else’s

1. What is the meaning of else’s?
“Else’s” shows possession for “else,” meaning something belongs to another person.

2. How to use else’s?
Add ’s to “else” after words like someone, anyone, everyone: “That is everyone else’s problem.”

3. What is the plural form of else’s?
“Else” has no plural. Use “else’s” for both singular and plural possessives: “everyone else’s opinions.”

4. When to use else’s?
Use when indicating ownership by an unspecified “other” person: “I took someone else’s umbrella.”

5. Is else’s a word?
Yes, “else’s” is the correct possessive form. “Elses” is not a word.

6. Everyone else’s or else’s?
Use “everyone else’s.” The possessive applies to “else,” not “everyone.”

7. Someone else’s or elses?
Always “someone else’s.” “Elses” is incorrect.

Conclusion

Understanding “else’s” versus “elses” is straightforward once you know the rule. “Else” is not a noun; it’s an adverb or adjective that takes ’s to show possession. Whether you’re writing casually or formally, using “else’s” correctly enhances clarity and professionalism.

For students, professionals, and writers, this small detail matters. It reflects attention to grammar and strengthens your communication.

Remember: When in doubt, it’s always else’s. Now you can write with confidence, knowing you’ve solved this common grammar puzzle.