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Anonymous Posted 14 years ago
Grammar

genitive

I've got a doubt about the genitive: I was taught to say 'Tom's father lives in Bath.' whereas when I talk about things to say 'the curtains of my house are red.' is it also possible to say 'the father of T.?'. I heard it sometimes people saying. If yes, is it also possible in written English? would it be grammatically correct (written/spoken English)?
thx
  

Top answer

It is perfectly all right grammatically to use the of-structure, sometimes called the of-genitive in grammar books written by non-native speakers, to refer to people. People don't usually say the father of Tom , though, because Tom is so short - just one word. This structure is common for emphasis: the complete works of William Shakespeare .

— Cool Breeze

  • It is perfectly all right grammatically to use the of-structure, sometimes called the of-genitive in grammar books written by non-native speakers, to refer to people.
  • People don't usually say the father of Tom , though, because Tom is so short - just one word.
  • This structure is common for emphasis: the complete works of William Shakespeare .
  • On the other hand, the s-genitive is often used about inanimate things: the ship's crew, today's newspaper, an hour's walk.
  • CB
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3 Answers
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It is perfectly all right grammatically to use the of-structure, sometimes called the of-genitive in grammar books written by non-native speakers, to refer to people. People don't usually say the father of Tom, though, because Tom is so short - just one word. This structure is common for emphasis: the complete works of William Shakespeare.

On the other hand, the s-geniti
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thank you! so if I have a longer name, e.g. brian, is it better to use 's or of?
and another question: if it is grammatically correct, why do so many grammar books say that the 's genitive is for people and the of-genitive for things (and animals)?
thanks
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Anonymous if I have a longer name, e.g. brian, is it better to use 's or of?
There are no absolute rules. We tend to prefer the 's for people, in my opinion.

Bill's son. The Queen of England's son.
Anonymousif it is grammatically correct, why do so many grammar books say that the 's genitive is for people and the
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