I feel there is a real risk of John/John's using drugs
Which of the following sentences is correct?
1) I feel there is a real risk of John using drugs.
2) I feel there is a real risk of John's using drugs.
If both are possible and mean the same thing, which is more commonly used?
Thank you.
Top answer
The possessive is formal English. In traditional grammar, the possessive was used as the "subject" of a gerund. Contemporary English has relaxed this old rule.
- The possessive is formal English.
- In traditional grammar, the possessive was used as the "subject" of a gerund.
- Contemporary English has relaxed this old rule.
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The possessive is formal English. In traditional grammar, the possessive was used as the "subject" of a gerund. Contemporary English has relaxed this old rule.
0teal lime1) I feel there is a real risk of John using drugs.
When being informal, people would generally use this.
teal lime2) I feel there is a real risk of John's using drugs.
This is extremely formal and would be stilted in everyday, informal situations.
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