You’re writing a simple sentence.
“This is someone ___ idea.”
You pause.
Is it elses… or else’s?
This exact moment is why people search for elses or else’s every day. Students, ESL learners, bloggers, and even native English speakers get stuck here because English apostrophes don’t always follow intuition.
The confusion feels small—but using the wrong form can make writing look careless, especially in emails, academic work, or professional content. This article is written for students, writers, professionals, and ESL learners, especially those targeting US audiences who want clear, correct grammar.
In this guide, you’ll get a fast answer, simple rules, real-life examples, common mistakes, and clear advice on which form to use. No jargon. No confusion. Just correct English.
Quick Answer
Else’s is correct.
Elses is incorrect and should not be used.
✅ Correct Examples
- This is someone else’s bag.
- It wasn’t anyone else’s fault.
- She borrowed no one else’s notes.
❌ Incorrect Examples
- This is someone elses bag.
- It wasn’t anyone elses fault.
Simple Rule
If else shows ownership, use else’s.
Never add -s without an apostrophe.
The Origin of Els es or Else’s
The word else comes from Old English and meant other or different. Over time, it became a helper word, not a main noun.
That’s important.
Because else:
- Does not act like a normal noun
- Does not form plurals
- Is usually attached to words like someone, anyone, everyone
When English shows ownership, it uses an apostrophe + s. That’s why else’s exists.
Elses looks logical, but English grammar does not allow it. It’s a spelling created by assumption, not by rules.
British English vs American English Spelling
Many grammar topics change between British and American English.
This one does not.
Both systems follow the same rule.
Comparison Table
| Form | American English | British English | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| else’s | ✅ Correct | ✅ Correct | Standard |
| elses | ❌ Incorrect | ❌ Incorrect | Error |
There is no regional exception.
Which Spelling Should You Use?
Always use else’s.
Audience-Based Advice
- US audience: else’s
- UK / Commonwealth: else’s
- Global / ESL learners: else’s
- Academic writing: else’s
- Casual writing: else’s
There is no context where elses becomes acceptable.
Common Mistakes with Els es or Else’s
These mistakes appear in blogs, emails, and social posts every day.
1. Treating else as a plural
❌ someone elses idea
✅ someone else’s idea
2. Forgetting the apostrophe
❌ anyone elses problem
✅ anyone else’s problem
3. Using else alone
❌ else’s book
✅ someone else’s book
4. Assuming spoken English rules apply
Spoken English hides apostrophes. Writing does not.
Elses or Else’s in Everyday Examples
Emails
- Please do not share anyone else’s password.
- This decision is not someone else’s responsibility.
News & Articles
- The error was caused by no one else’s data.
- The credit belongs to someone else’s team.
Social Media
- Stop worrying about everyone else’s opinions.
- Focus on your own path, not someone else’s success.
Formal & Academic Writing
- The conclusion was based on no one else’s research.
- The findings rely on someone else’s framework.
Elses or Else’s – Google Trends & Usage Data
Search behavior shows that:
- Most users type elses or else’s to confirm correctness
- Queries spike among ESL learners and students
- Professional writing consistently uses else’s
Common Search Variations
- is elses correct
- else’s or elses
- someone elses or else’s
- grammar of else’s
Published English content overwhelmingly uses else’s.
Elses appears almost only in mistakes and search queries.
Comparison Table: Keyword Variations
| Phrase | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| else’s | ✅ Yes | Possessive form |
| elses | ❌ No | Not a word |
| someone else’s | ✅ Yes | Standard usage |
| everyone elses | ❌ No | Apostrophe missing |
| anyone else’s | ✅ Yes | Correct grammar |
FAQs
1. Is elses ever correct?
No. It is not recognized in standard English.
2. Is else’s always possessive?
Yes. It shows ownership only.
3. Why doesn’t else become plural?
Because it functions as a modifier, not a noun.
4. Is this rule different in British English?
No. The rule is the same everywhere.
5. Can I use elses informally?
No. Even informal writing avoids it.
6. What is the safest phrase to remember?
Someone else’s.
7. Why do so many people search this?
Because apostrophes are confusing in English writing.
Conclusion
The confusion between elses or else’s looks small, but it matters. English grammar does not allow elses as a correct word. The only correct form is else’s, and it is always used to show possession.
This rule stays the same in American English, British English, academic writing, emails, and casual conversation. Once you understand that else never forms a plural, the confusion disappears completely.
If you want your writing to look clear, confident, and professional, remember this simple rule:
Ownership needs an apostrophe. Else always becomes else’s.
Mastering small grammar points like this instantly improves how your writing is perceived—especially by readers, editors, and search engines.
Mignon Fogarty is a grammar-focused writer and language educator at Grammiffy, where she simplifies English rules for modern, digital learners.
With a clear and engaging style, she helps readers understand grammar, usage, and common mistakes through quick, easy-to-follow explanations.
