Of and 's

Question

Hello.What's right?The power of a nation.orA nation's power.And why? Please.Thanks

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

This is my opinion:

China's secret to a quick economic recovery lies in her domestic policy.

The secret to China's quick economic recovery lies in her dosmestic policy.

Both of the above are correct but generally, I presonally prefer the latter as the "of" pattern in shorter sentence construction sounds and flows more fluid. However, it's not always the case.

i.e. Compare: This is the new boat of my father vs This is my father's new boat. Both are correct but the latter in this case flows and sounds better to my ear. Anyone sees it differently?

Makaay · Answer

Hmm, certainly" This is my father's new boat" sounds better.
So we have to choose which sounds better, this is the difference? Or there's any rule that I need to follow.

CalifJim · Answer

makaayWhat's right?
The power of a nation.
or
A nation's power.
And why? Please.

Both are acceptable in the case of "nation" or a specifically named nation. The choice depends on the sound context. Native speakers choose the one that sounds more harmonious within the sentence in which it occurs.

Generally speaking, an animate is more likely than an inanimate to take the apostrophe construction.

Paul's desk, but not the desk's top.
the top of the desk, but not the desk of Paul.

Inanimates also very frequently form compounds thus:

desk top, kitchen counter, race track

Periods of time do take the apostrophe, however, thus:

a day's work, a year's savings

CJ

Makaay · Answer

Thank you for the answers CJ and anonymous.

Anonymous · Answer

To be honest, I don't know if there is a set of rule on the "of" usage.

perhaps the real English experts can shed some light on this.

Of and 's

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