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ByoungSuh Posted 12 years ago
Grammar

His or My?

This might be a question of personal preference rather than a set-in-stone rule? If it's not a rule, I would like to know which one sounds better, more fluid and succinct. Thank you.

This is my sentence: "I was also the kid who thought his dreams of becoming a marine biologist were somehow aided by family trips to the beach and observing his pet goldfish."

My question is: Should it be "who thought his …" or "who thought my?"

Thank you.
  

Top answer

" 'his'. "I was .. the kid" distances the writer from "the kid" for stylistic effect.

— CalifJim

  • " 'his'.
  • "I was ..
  • the kid" distances the writer from "the kid" for stylistic effect.
  • Only "his" (the kid's) can maintain the effect consistently.
  • , if you don't "own" the statement, then you don't want "my" there at all.
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1 Answers
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ByoungSuhShould it be "who thought his …" or "who thought my?"
'his'.

"I was .. the kid" distances the writer from "the kid" for stylistic effect. Only "his" (the kid's) can maintain the effect consistently.

If you don't start with "I thought my dreams ...", i.e., if you don't "own" the statement, then you don't want "my" there at all.
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