Introduction
English punctuation can turn simple words into confusing grammar puzzles—and ex’s vs exes is a perfect example. You may have seen both spellings used online, in texts, or even in professional writing. One looks right because of the apostrophe. The other looks strange because it adds extra letters. So which one is actually correct?
This confusion happens because English uses apostrophes for different purposes, and many people apply them incorrectly when forming plurals. When it comes to past relationships, former partners, or even ex-employees, writers often hesitate before typing that final s.
Although they look/sound similar, they serve completely different purposes.
In this guide, we’ll break down ex’s vs exes in simple, conversational English, with clear rules, real-life examples, and memory tricks you’ll never forget.
What Is “Ex’s”?
Ex’s is a possessive form, not a plural—this is where most people get confused.
Meaning
Ex’s means belonging to one ex. The apostrophe shows ownership, not quantity.
How It’s Used
In the ex’s vs exes comparison, ex’s is used only when something belongs to a single former partner or former role.
Where It’s Used
- Used in both American and British English
- Grammatically correct only in possessive contexts
- Rarely needed in casual writing
Examples in Sentences
- My ex’s phone is still on my desk.
- I returned my ex’s jacket yesterday.
- Her ex’s behavior caused many problems.
In each sentence, ex’s answers the question: Whose?
Short Usage Note
Apostrophes in English never make words plural. They only show possession or contraction. This rule is crucial for understanding ex’s vs exes correctly.
What Is “Exes”?
Exes is the correct plural form of ex.
Meaning
Exes refers to more than one former partner, former employee, or former role.
How It’s Used
In the ex’s vs exes debate, exes is what you should use most of the time, especially when talking about multiple people from the past.
Where It’s Used
- Correct in American and British English
- Common in spoken English, blogs, articles, and social media
- Grammatically functions as a plural noun
Examples in Sentences
- She avoids talking about her exes.
- His exes attended the same event.
- We ran into two of my exes last night.
Here, exes clearly indicates more than one ex.
Spelling and Grammar Note
The word ex ends with an x, so English adds -es to form the plural—just like boxes or foxes. This is why exes, not exs, is correct.
Key Differences Between Ex’s and Exes
Understanding ex’s vs exes comes down to possession vs plurality.
Quick Bullet-Point Differences
- Ex’s = possessive (belonging to one ex)
- Exes = plural (more than one ex)
- Apostrophes do not make plurals
- Exes is far more common in real writing
- Ex’s is only correct in specific situations
Comparison Table
| Feature | Ex’s | Exes |
|---|---|---|
| Grammar Type | Possessive | Plural |
| Apostrophe | Yes | No |
| Meaning | Belonging to one ex | More than one ex |
| Common Usage | Rare | Very common |
| Example | My ex’s car | My exes live abroad |
This table makes the ex’s vs exes distinction crystal clear.
Real-Life Conversation Examples
Dialogue 1
A: “Should I write ex’s or exes?”
B: “How many exes are you talking about?”
🎯 Lesson: Quantity decides the spelling.
Dialogue 2
A: “I met my ex’s sister.”
B: “Then ex’s is correct—it shows possession.”
🎯 Lesson: Apostrophe = ownership.
Dialogue 3
A: “My ex’s were all invited.”
B: “That should be exes—no apostrophe.”
🎯 Lesson: Apostrophes don’t make plurals.
Dialogue 4
A: “Why does exes look weird?”
B: “Because English adds ‘-es’ after x.”
🎯 Lesson: Grammar rules > appearance.
Dialogue 5
A: “I always mess this up.”
B: “Just remember: many people = exes.”
🎯 Lesson: Plural = no apostrophe.
When to Use Ex’s vs Exes
Let’s make ex’s vs exes easy with practical rules.
Use “Exes” When:
- Referring to more than one ex
- Writing casually or professionally
- Talking about relationships or past roles
Memory Trick:
👉 More than one = add “es”
Use “Ex’s” When:
- Showing something belongs to one ex
- Answering the question whose?
- Writing carefully structured sentences
Memory Trick:
👉 Apostrophe = ownership
US vs UK Usage
There is no regional difference in ex’s vs exes. Both American and British English follow the same grammar rules here.
Fun Facts or History
📌 Fun Fact 1:
The plural form exes follows the same rule as taxes, boxes, and axes.
📌 Fun Fact 2:
Using apostrophes incorrectly in plurals is so common that linguists call it “the greengrocer’s apostrophe.”
Conclusion
The difference between ex’s vs exes is all about grammar—not preference. Exes is the correct plural form and should be used whenever you’re talking about more than one former partner or role. Ex’s, on the other hand, is only correct when showing possession, meaning something belongs to one ex.
Once you remember that apostrophes never make plurals, this confusion disappears completely. Mastering this small rule can instantly improve your writing accuracy and confidence.
Next time someone uses these two words, you’ll know exactly what they mean!
