Getting pregnant without his knowing

Many, many speakers of AmE will say 'him', which is incorrect. Knowing is a noun here, so the possessive his is the correct choice. Many intricacies like this are not being addressed in American English classes.

Ah that's what I thought, as it's a possessive pronoun gerund.

Thanks.

AnonymousGetting pregnant without his knowing Getting pregnant without him knowing which one is right?

The version with his is extremely formal and not smooth or natural. It's not in the everyday speech of a lot of people.

It is incorrect though, as a teacher has pointed out. Should I use 'him knowing' even though it's incorrect?

PhilipMany, many speakers of AmE will say 'him', which is incorrect.

There are those who would argue that it is not incorrect.

AnonymousIt is incorrect though, as a teacher has pointed out. Should I use 'him knowing' even though it's incorrect?

It depends on your audience. If you think they will look at you as pedantic or snobbish using 'his' - then by all means use 'him' if you feel more comfortable with it. We have to remember that languages are in a constant state of flux, and on