“Ripley’s Believe It or Not” is the correct and original phrase used for the famous franchise that shows strange, unbelievable, and surprising facts. Some people write it incorrectly as “Ripleys Believe It or Not” (without the apostrophe), but the version with the apostrophe is the right one. This article explains the difference, correct usage, meaning in English, and easy grammar tips.
Many people see or hear the phrase “Ripley’s Believe It or Not”, but not everyone knows how to spell it correctly. Some people write it as “Ripleys Believe It or Not” without the apostrophe. Even though the two versions look almost the same, they do not mean the same thing. One is correct and official, and the other is a common mistake.
In this simple grammar guide, you will learn the meaning, the difference, and the correct usage of both forms. You will also see easy examples, memory tricks, common mistakes, tables, and tips that even a 4th-grade student can understand. By the end, you’ll know exactly when and how to use Ripley’s Believe It or Not in everyday English, writing, schoolwork, and online posts.
What Does Each Phrase Mean?
1. “Ripley’s Believe It or Not” — Correct Version
This is the official name of a famous franchise created by Robert Ripley. It includes TV shows, books, comics, museums, and amazing stories about strange and unbelievable facts.
Why the apostrophe?
The apostrophe in Ripley’s shows ownership. It means the stories belong to Ripley.
Part of Speech:
This is a proper noun (a name).
Simple Examples:
- We visited the Ripley’s Believe It or Not museum.
- I love reading Ripley’s Believe It or Not books.
- Ripley’s Believe It or Not has many shocking facts.
2. “Ripleys Believe It or Not” — Incorrect Version
This form removes the apostrophe, which makes the name grammatically wrong. It looks like a plural word, but it’s actually a spelling mistake.
Why is it wrong?
Because Ripley is a person’s name. Without the apostrophe, the meaning becomes unclear and incorrect.
Simple Examples:
- Ripleys Believe It or Not ❌ (wrong spelling)
- Many websites mistakenly write Ripleys Believe It or Not.
- Always use the apostrophe in Ripley’s Believe It or Not.
The Key Difference Between “Ripleys” and “Ripley’s”
✔️ Short Explanation:
- Ripley’s = correct, shows ownership
- Ripleys = incorrect, missing apostrophe
Comparison Table
| Feature | Ripley’s Believe It or Not | Ripleys Believe It or Not |
|---|---|---|
| Spelling | ✔ Correct | ❌ Incorrect |
| Apostrophe | Yes | No |
| Meaning | Name of the official franchise | Wrong spelling of the name |
| Part of Speech | Proper noun | Not a proper noun |
| Example | I watch Ripley’s Believe It or Not. | I watch Ripleys Believe It or Not. (wrong) |
Quick Tip to Remember:
If you see the name Ripley, always add ’s when talking about something he created.
Ripley → Ripley’s (just like “Ali → Ali’s book”)
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
❌ Mistake 1: Writing the name without an apostrophe
Incorrect: Ripleys Believe It or Not is fun to watch.
Correct: Ripley’s Believe It or Not is fun to watch.
Why it happens: Many people forget apostrophes while typing fast or posting online.
❌ Mistake 2: Adding the apostrophe in the wrong place
Incorrect: Ripley Believe It’s or Not
Correct: Ripley’s Believe It or Not
Why it happens: People try to guess where the apostrophe goes.
❌ Mistake 3: Treating it as a plural word
Incorrect: The Ripleys Believe It or Not shows are interesting.
Correct: The Ripley’s Believe It or Not shows are interesting.
Why it happens: The “s” at the end confuses learners.
When to Use “Ripley’s Believe It or Not” (Correct Form)
Use this version when referring to:
✔ The franchise name
Ripley’s Believe It or Not is famous worldwide.
✔ The book series
My brother collects Ripley’s Believe It or Not books.
✔ The museums
We took pictures at Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum.
✔ The TV shows
We watched an episode of Ripley’s Believe It or Not last night.
✔ General writing or schoolwork
Ripley’s Believe It or Not stories are fun for kids.
Easy Memory Hack:
If it belongs to Ripley → use Ripley’s
When to Use “Ripleys Believe It or Not” (Incorrect Form)
You should never use this version in schoolwork, writing, emails, assignments, or professional work.
The only time you might see it is:
- On websites with spelling mistakes
- In social media posts
- In comments where punctuation is missing
But the correct form always includes the apostrophe: Ripley’s Believe It or Not.
Trick:
Imagine the apostrophe as a tiny hook holding Ripley’s collection together.
Without the hook, the name falls apart.
Quick Recap: Ripleys vs Ripley’s
- Ripley’s Believe It or Not = Correct
- Ripleys Believe It or Not = Incorrect
- Apostrophe shows ownership
- It is a proper noun
- Always use Ripley’s in writing, school, and professional work
- Never remove the apostrophe
Advanced Tips (Optional)
✔ A bit of history
“Ripley’s Believe It or Not” began as a newspaper cartoon by Robert Ripley in 1918. Later, it became a global brand.
✔ In formal writing
Always include the apostrophe because it respects the official name and avoids grammar errors.
✔ In exams or essays
Correct spelling of proper nouns shows attention to detail.
✔ In texting
Many people drop apostrophes, but the correct version still remains Ripley’s Believe It or Not.
Mini Quiz: Test Yourself
Fill in the blanks with Ripley’s or Ripleys:
- I watched _______ Believe It or Not yesterday.
- The museum is called _______ Believe It or Not.
- Some people misspell it as _______ Believe It or Not.
- _______ Believe It or Not books have strange facts.
- The correct spelling is always _______ Believe It or Not.
(Answers: Ripley’s, Ripley’s, Ripleys, Ripley’s, Ripley’s)
5 FAQs
1. What is the correct spelling: Ripleys or Ripley’s?
The correct spelling is Ripley’s, with an apostrophe, because it shows ownership.
2. Why does Ripley’s have an apostrophe?
The apostrophe means the stories belong to Robert Ripley, the creator.
3. Is “Ripleys Believe It or Not” wrong?
Yes, it is a common spelling mistake because it removes the apostrophe.
4. How do I remember the correct usage?
Use this trick: If it belongs to Ripley → add ’s.
5. Is Ripley’s Believe It or Not a proper noun?
Yes, it is the official name of a global entertainment franchise.
Conclusion
Now you clearly understand the difference between Ripleys Believe It or Not and Ripley’s Believe It or Not. The correct version uses an apostrophe to show ownership and to match the official name. With the examples, memory tricks, and comparison table, you can confidently use the right spelling in writing, schoolwork, and online posts. Keep practicing small grammar rules like this — they make your English better every single day.
Gwendoline Riley delivers clear, compelling insights into language and usage, helping readers understand meanings, nuances, and differences with confidence.
