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Anonymous Posted 14 years ago
Grammar
Choice between adjective and the possessive
Hi. Please help. Would you say the use of what looks to be an adjective "Chinese" to "possess" the gerund "buying" (which I presume functions as a noun) that comes after it? Thank you in advance.
... welcomed/objected Chinese buying of it.
... welcomed/objected Chinese buying of it.
Top answer
The grammatical case of a noun preceding a gerund is rather complex. In your example, Chinese could be a plural (mass) noun or an adjective. Before a gerund, the noun (not adjective) is correct.
- The grammatical case of a noun preceding a gerund is rather complex.
- In your example, Chinese could be a plural (mass) noun or an adjective.
- Before a gerund, the noun (not adjective) is correct.
- I like Chinese vases.
- The Chinese are good businessmen.
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1 Answers
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The grammatical case of a noun preceding a gerund is rather complex.
In your example, Chinese could be a plural (mass) noun or an adjective. Before a gerund, the noun (not adjective) is correct.
I like Chinese vases.
The Chinese are good businessmen.
Your sentence should read: We objected to the Chinese buying our products. (ie. Chinese people)
Here
In your example, Chinese could be a plural (mass) noun or an adjective. Before a gerund, the noun (not adjective) is correct.
I like Chinese vases.
The Chinese are good businessmen.
Your sentence should read: We objected to the Chinese buying our products. (ie. Chinese people)
Here
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