Have you ever wondered whether to write “elses” or “else’s” in an English sentence? These two forms look almost identical, but a small apostrophe makes an important difference. Many English learners find them confusing, especially when writing expressions such as “someone else’s,” “anyone else’s,” or “everybody else’s.”
The confusion happens because both forms sound the same, while only one is normally correct when showing possession. Understanding this difference can help you avoid common grammar mistakes and write more naturally. In this guide, you will learn the meaning of each form, the correct apostrophe rules, practical examples, and easy memory tricks to improve your English writing.
Why “Elses” and “Else’s” Are Confusing
The difference between “elses” and “else’s” may seem small, but it is important in standard English grammar. Both forms look similar, and their pronunciation does not reveal whether an apostrophe is needed.
Here are the main reasons learners confuse them.
1. Similar Pronunciation
The forms “elses” and “else’s” are pronounced the same way when read aloud, typically /ˈelsɪz/.
Because apostrophes are not pronounced, listeners cannot identify the correct spelling simply by hearing the expression.
For example:
- “Someone else’s bag is on the table.”
- “Someone elses bag is on the table.”
These sentences would sound the same when spoken, but only the first uses the correct possessive spelling.
2. Similar Spelling
The only visible difference is the apostrophe.
- Elses: Written without an apostrophe.
- Else’s: Written with an apostrophe before the final “s.”
This small punctuation mark is easy to forget, especially when typing quickly.
However, apostrophes are important because they often indicate possession or contractions in English.
3. Context Confusion
The word “else” frequently appears after indefinite pronouns such as:
- Someone
- Anyone
- Everyone
- Nobody
- Somebody
- Everybody
When these expressions show possession, the apostrophe comes after “else.”
For example:
“Is this someone else’s phone?”
The sentence asks whether the phone belongs to another person.
Some learners incorrectly write “someone elses” because they do not recognize the possessive structure.
4. Common Learner Mistakes
Common mistakes include:
- Writing “someone elses” instead of “someone else’s.”
- Omitting the apostrophe in possessive expressions.
- Writing “someone’s else” instead of “someone else’s.”
- Assuming that adding “s” always creates a plural.
- Confusing the possessive form with the ordinary word “else.”
Understanding how possession works with “else” helps prevent these errors.
Elses vs Else’s Explained Simply
The difference is straightforward: “Else’s” is the correct possessive form used in expressions such as “someone else’s,” while “elses” is generally incorrect in ordinary English writing.
Simple Explanation
Elses: Not a standard plural or possessive form of “else” in everyday English.
Else’s: The possessive form used after words such as “someone,” “anyone,” and “everybody” to show that something belongs to another person.
For example:
“Someone else’s jacket is hanging by the door.”
This means the jacket belongs to another person.
One-Line Distinction
“Elses” is generally a spelling error, while “else’s” is the correct possessive spelling when used after an appropriate pronoun.
Two Example Sentences
Example 1: Correct Usage
“I accidentally picked up someone else’s notebook.”
Here, “someone else’s” shows that the notebook belongs to another person.
Example 2: Incorrect Usage
“I accidentally picked up someone elses notebook.”
This sentence is incorrect because the possessive expression requires an apostrophe.
The correct version is:
“I accidentally picked up someone else’s notebook.”
Remember that “else’s” is normally used as part of a longer expression, rather than standing alone.
Understanding Homophones in English
Homophones are an important part of English vocabulary. Learning how they work can help improve spelling, punctuation, and written communication.
What Are Homophones?
Homophones are words that have the same pronunciation but different meanings and often different spellings.
For example, “their” and “there” are homophones.
- Their: Shows possession.
- There: Refers to a place or position.
Consider these sentences:
- “Their house is beautiful.”
- “The house is over there.”
Although the words sound alike, they have different meanings and grammatical functions.
Other common homophones include:
- Hear and here
- Right and write
- Sea and see
- One and won
- Flour and flower
However, “elses” and “else’s” are not a typical pair of standard homophones. They sound alike because an apostrophe does not change pronunciation, but “elses” is not a standard alternative word with its own everyday meaning.
Why Homophones Cause Confusion
Homophones cause confusion because spoken English does not always provide enough information to identify the correct spelling.
For example:
“I can hear you.”
“Please come here.”
The words “hear” and “here” sound identical, but context determines which spelling is correct.
The same general challenge appears with “elses” and “else’s.” Their pronunciation is identical, so writers must rely on grammar rather than sound.
If the expression indicates that something belongs to another person, the possessive form with an apostrophe is needed.
What Does “Elses” Mean?
Definition and Core Meaning
“Elses” is not a standard English word used as the plural or possessive form of “else.”
In ordinary English, “else” means “other,” “additional,” or “otherwise,” depending on the sentence.
For example:
- “Does anyone else want coffee?”
- “What else do you need?”
- “Hurry up, or else we will be late.”
In these sentences, “else” adds the idea of another person, thing, or possibility.
However, adding “s” to create “elses” does not produce a normal plural form.
When possession is intended, standard English uses an apostrophe, as in “someone else’s.”
Origin and Historical Use
The word “else” comes from Old English elles, which meant “otherwise” or “in another way.”
Interestingly, the historical spelling elles resembles the modern nonstandard form “elses,” but this does not make “elses” correct in present-day English.
Over time, the spelling and grammatical uses of “else” developed into the modern form.
Today, “else” commonly appears after indefinite pronouns and question words, including “someone,” “anyone,” “what,” “where,” and “who.”
The possessive construction “someone else’s” follows modern English punctuation conventions.
Modern Usage and Alternatives
In standard English, “elses” should generally be avoided.
Depending on the intended meaning, use one of these alternatives:
- Else: “Does anybody else want to join?”
- Someone else’s: “This is someone else’s umbrella.”
- Anyone else’s: “Did you borrow anyone else’s notes?”
- Everybody else’s: “Everybody else’s work is finished.”
- Something else: “I would prefer something else.”
These expressions are grammatically correct and widely used in everyday English.
Example Sentences
The following examples demonstrate how to correct the nonstandard spelling.
- Incorrect: “This is someone elses phone.”Correct: “This is someone else’s phone.”
- Incorrect: “I don’t want to use anybody elses computer.”Correct: “I don’t want to use anybody else’s computer.”
- Incorrect: “Everybody elses answers were different.”Correct: “Everybody else’s answers were different.”
- Incorrect: “Is this anyone elses jacket?”Correct: “Is this anyone else’s jacket?”
The corrected sentences use apostrophes to show possession.
What Does “Else’s” Mean?
Definition and Core Meaning
“Else’s” is the possessive form of “else” used in expressions such as “someone else’s,” “anyone else’s,” and “everybody else’s.”
It helps show that something belongs to a different person or is associated with someone other than the person already mentioned.
For example:
“This is somebody else’s seat.”
The sentence means that the seat belongs to or is reserved for another person.
The apostrophe and “s” indicate possession.
Origin and Historical Context
The word “else” developed from Old English and has long been used to express the idea of something additional or different.
English possessive forms commonly use an apostrophe followed by “s.”
For example:
- The teacher’s book
- The student’s notebook
- My friend’s bicycle
When “else” follows an indefinite pronoun, the possessive ending is attached to “else.”
For example:
- Someone else → Someone else’s
- Anybody else → Anybody else’s
- Everyone else → Everyone else’s
This structure is part of standard modern English grammar.
Modern Usage and Synonyms
“Else’s” commonly appears in possessive expressions involving another person.
Frequently used combinations include:
- Someone else’s: Belonging to another person.
- Anybody else’s: Belonging to any other person.
- Everybody else’s: Belonging to all the other people.
- Nobody else’s: Belonging to no other person.
- Who else’s: Asking which other person something belongs to.
Some expressions can be rewritten using alternatives such as:
- Another person’s
- Belonging to someone else
- Owned by another person
- The property of someone else
For example:
“This is someone else’s bag.”
You could also say:
“This bag belongs to another person.”
Both sentences communicate the same basic idea.
Example Sentences
- “I think this is someone else’s umbrella.”
- “Please don’t copy anybody else’s homework.”
- “Everybody else’s luggage has already arrived.”
- “She accidentally opened someone else’s email.”
- “Who else’s name should we add to the list?”
- “This is nobody else’s responsibility.”
Each example uses “else’s” to express possession or association.
Elses vs Else’s: Key Differences at a Glance
The following comparison table summarizes the grammatical differences.
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elses | Nonstandard form | Not a standard plural or possessive form in ordinary English | Incorrect: “Someone elses bag.” |
| Else’s | Possessive form | Indicates possession when attached to expressions such as “someone else” | “Someone else’s bag.” |
| Else | Adverb or postpositive modifier | Other, additional, or otherwise | “Does anyone else want tea?” |
| Someone else’s | Possessive expression | Belonging to another person | “This is someone else’s phone.” |
Which One Is Correct?
When showing possession after “else,” “else’s” is correct.
For example:
- Correct: “I borrowed someone else’s pen.”
- Incorrect: “I borrowed someone elses pen.”
However, if you are not expressing possession, use “else” without an apostrophe.
For example:
“Does anyone else want to participate?”
The sentence does not show possession, so “else’s” would be incorrect.
How to Remember the Difference Between Elses and Else’s
A few simple memory tricks can help you choose the correct spelling.
1. Remember That Apostrophes Show Possession
The easiest rule is:
If something belongs to someone else, use “else’s.”
For example:
“Someone else’s bicycle is outside.”
The apostrophe indicates that the bicycle belongs to another person.
2. Compare It with Familiar Possessive Words
Think about ordinary possessive expressions:
- John’s bag
- Sarah’s phone
- The teacher’s desk
- Someone else’s book
All these examples use an apostrophe followed by “s” to show possession.
This connection makes “else’s” easier to remember.
3. Use the “Belongs To” Test
Ask yourself whether you can rewrite the sentence using “belongs to.”
For example:
“This is someone else’s jacket.”
Rewrite it as:
“This jacket belongs to someone else.”
If the meaning remains the same, the possessive expression is appropriate.
4. Remember That “Else” Does Not Normally Have a Plural
The word “else” is not an ordinary countable noun in everyday English, so you cannot normally make it plural by adding “s.”
Therefore:
- Else = Correct ordinary form.
- Else’s = Correct in possessive expressions.
- Elses = Generally incorrect in standard everyday writing.
5. One Memorable Example
Imagine finding a phone on your classroom desk.
You know it is not yours, so you say:
“This must be someone else’s phone.”
The phone belongs to another person. Therefore, the apostrophe is necessary.
Remember this example whenever you are unsure about the spelling.
Common Mistakes and Confusions
Understanding common mistakes can help you avoid them in your own writing.
Mistake 1: Forgetting the Apostrophe
✘ Incorrect: “I used someone elses laptop.”
✔ Correct: “I used someone else’s laptop.”
Explanation: The laptop belongs to another person, so the possessive apostrophe is required.
Mistake 2: Placing the Apostrophe Before “Else”
✘ Incorrect: “I borrowed someone’s else notebook.”
✔ Correct: “I borrowed someone else’s notebook.”
Explanation: When “else” follows an indefinite pronoun, the possessive ending is attached to “else,” not the pronoun.
Mistake 3: Using “Else’s” Without Possession
✘ Incorrect: “Does anyone else’s want coffee?”
✔ Correct: “Does anyone else want coffee?”
Explanation: The sentence asks whether another person wants coffee. It does not express possession, so the apostrophe is unnecessary.
Mistake 4: Using “Elses” as a Plural
✘ Incorrect: “Several elses joined the meeting.”
✔ Correct: “Several other people joined the meeting.”
Explanation: “Else” does not function as an ordinary countable noun with a plural form in standard everyday English.
Mistake 5: Confusing “Everyone Else” with “Everyone Else’s”
✘ Incorrect: “Everyone else’s was waiting outside.”
✔ Correct: “Everyone else was waiting outside.”
Explanation: The sentence describes people waiting. It does not express possession, so “else” is correct.
However, “Everyone else’s was waiting outside” could be grammatical in a special context if a previously mentioned noun is understood, such as “Everyone else’s car was waiting outside.” Without that context, the ordinary sentence should use “everyone else.”
Examples Section: Correct and Incorrect Usage
These examples show how to use “else” and “else’s” in different situations.
Example 1: Personal Belongings
✔ Correct: “This is someone else’s backpack.”
✘ Incorrect: “This is someone elses backpack.”
Why? The backpack belongs to another person, so the possessive apostrophe is needed.
Example 2: Schoolwork
✔ Correct: “Don’t copy anybody else’s answers.”
✘ Incorrect: “Don’t copy anybody elses answers.”
Why? “Anybody else’s” is the correct possessive expression.
Example 3: Asking About Other People
✔ Correct: “Does anyone else need help?”
✘ Incorrect: “Does anyone else’s need help?”
Why? The sentence does not show possession. Therefore, use “else” without an apostrophe.
Example 4: Ownership
✔ Correct: “I accidentally took somebody else’s coat.”
✘ Incorrect: “I accidentally took somebody elses coat.”
Why? The coat belongs to another person.
Example 5: Group Comparison
✔ Correct: “Everybody else’s project was completed on time.”
✘ Incorrect: “Everybody elses project was completed on time.”
Why? The possessive ending belongs after “else.”
Example 6: Asking a Possessive Question
✔ Correct: “Who else’s phone is ringing?”
✘ Incorrect: “Who elses phone is ringing?”
Why? The question asks which other person owns the phone, so the apostrophe is required.
Self-Assessment: Test Your Knowledge
Choose the correct word or expression to complete each sentence.
Question 1: I think this is someone ___ notebook.
a) elses
b) else’s
Question 2: Does anyone ___ want to join the discussion?
a) else
b) else’s
Question 3: Please don’t use anybody ___ password.
a) elses
b) else’s
Question 4: Everybody ___ luggage was checked before departure.
a) elses
b) else’s
Self-Assessment Answers
Answer 1: b) else’s
“I think this is someone else’s notebook.”
The notebook belongs to another person, so the possessive form is required.
Answer 2: a) else
“Does anyone else want to join the discussion?”
The sentence does not express possession, so “else” is correct.
Answer 3: b) else’s
“Please don’t use anybody else’s password.”
The password belongs to another person, so the apostrophe is necessary.
Answer 4: b) else’s
“Everybody else’s luggage was checked before departure.”
The sentence refers to the luggage belonging to other people.
How Did You Do?
- 4 correct: Excellent! You understand the rule.
- 3 correct: Great work. Review the question you missed.
- 1–2 correct: Practise using “someone else’s” and “anyone else” in sentences.
- 0 correct: Start with the basic rule: use “else’s” for possession and “else” when no possession is intended.
FAQs:
1. Is It “Elses” or “Else’s”?
“Else’s” is correct when expressing possession in phrases such as “someone else’s” or “anybody else’s.” “Elses” is generally incorrect in standard everyday English.
2. Is “Elses” a Real English Word?
“Elses” is not a standard plural or possessive form of “else” in ordinary English. It may appear as a spelling mistake or in unusual specialized contexts, but it should not replace “else’s” in possessive expressions.
3. Why Does “Else’s” Have an Apostrophe?
The apostrophe shows possession. For example, “someone else’s bag” means a bag belonging to another person.
4. Is “Someone Else’s” Grammatically Correct?
Yes. “Someone else’s” is the standard possessive expression. For example, “I accidentally opened someone else’s letter” is grammatically correct.
5. Is It “Anyone Else’s” or “Anyone Elses”?
“Anyone else’s” is correct when showing possession. For example, “Did you borrow anyone else’s notes?” uses the possessive form properly.
6. What Is the Difference Between “Else” and “Else’s”?
“Else” means “other” or “additional,” while “else’s” is used to show possession in expressions such as “someone else’s.”
For example:
- “Does anyone else want tea?”
- “This is someone else’s cup.”
7. Where Does the Apostrophe Go in “Someone Else’s”?
The apostrophe goes after “else” and before the final “s.” The correct spelling is someone else’s, not “someone’s else” or “someone elses.”
Conclusion:
Understanding the difference between “elses” and “else’s” is a useful step toward improving your English grammar, punctuation, and writing confidence. Although these forms look almost identical and sound the same when spoken, they are not interchangeable in standard English. “Else’s” is the correct possessive form used in expressions such as “someone else’s,” “anyone else’s,” and “everybody else’s,” while “elses” is generally an incorrect spelling in ordinary writing.
The most important rule is to use an apostrophe when the expression shows possession. For example, “This is someone else’s phone” means that the phone belongs to another person. However, when no possession is involved, use the ordinary word “else,” as in “Does anyone else want to participate?” Understanding this distinction helps you avoid common mistakes in school assignments, professional emails, online messages, and everyday communication.
A simple memory trick is to connect “else’s” with other possessive expressions such as “John’s book” or “Sarah’s bag.” You can also use the “belongs to” test to check whether an apostrophe is needed. If something belongs to someone else, the possessive spelling is appropriate.
As you continue learning English, remember that small punctuation marks can make a meaningful difference. Practise reading and writing sentences with “else” and “else’s,” pay attention to how they appear in everyday English, and review the examples whenever you feel unsure. With consistent practice, choosing the correct form will become easier, helping you communicate more accurately and confidently.
David Parker is a language researcher and content writer at WordClarity.com, specializing in English word meanings, comparisons, spelling differences, and usage guides. He creates easy-to-understand content that helps readers improve clarity and confidence in everyday English. His work focuses on making language learning simple, accurate, and practical.