12-02-2006, 02:43 PM
Think about it: the *reason* for "Jesus' boots" (for example) is to avoid the awkward sounding double-Z. "Jesus's" is double Z.
However, technically, "Jesus's boots" is correct.
Now, in the case of Chris, there is no double-Z and no awkward sound and hence nothing to accommodate--so you do it the right way without question. Sound it out: "Chris's boots". Now think about it: "Chris' boots"??? Man, if THAT doesn't sound completely wrong.
Generally, always append the apostrophe S to denote the possessive. And think about why some usage came about before blindly applying it everywhere.
And think about it some more: avoid the awkwardness altogether simply by rephrasing.
However, technically, "Jesus's boots" is correct.
Now, in the case of Chris, there is no double-Z and no awkward sound and hence nothing to accommodate--so you do it the right way without question. Sound it out: "Chris's boots". Now think about it: "Chris' boots"??? Man, if THAT doesn't sound completely wrong.
Generally, always append the apostrophe S to denote the possessive. And think about why some usage came about before blindly applying it everywhere.
And think about it some more: avoid the awkwardness altogether simply by rephrasing.