'Of' to indicate possession.

Question

Hi teachers,We usually use 'of' to indicate possession when the first noun is a thing.For example:The tittle of the book. That photo of you is wonderful.It is also correct to say:That's Peter's car.According to whay I have written, it is also correct to say:That's the car of Peter.Because, according to me, car is also a thing, isn't it?Thanks in advance

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

Thinking SpainIt is also correct to say:
That's Peter's car.

Yes. That's correct.

Thinking Spainit is also correct to say:
That's the car of Peter.

Yes. That's also correct, but it doesn't sound at all like 'real English'.

Thinking SpainBecause, according to me,

We don't use "according to me" in English. Substitute "in my opinion" if you want 'real English'.

Thinking Spaincar is also a thing, isn't it?

True.

Thinking SpainWe usually use 'of' to indicate possession when the first noun is a thing.

This is probably not stated correctly. As written it strikes me as irrelevant. Did you read this in a grammar book?

CJ

Tenacious Learner · Answer

We usually use 'of' to indicate possession when the first noun is a thing.This is probably not stated correctly. As written it strikes me as irrelevant.

Did you read this in a grammar book?

Yes I did. Is it wrong the use of 'of' in that way?

CalifJim · Answer

Thinking SpainIs it wrong the use of 'of' in that way?

No, but it doesn't focus on anything that's very useful. Here's a summary of the more usual cases.

1. Generally if the 'possessor' is a person, use the 's form:

Peter's car, Mr. Smith's house, the president's wife, the policeman's uniform

2. For certain time units, use the 's form:

yesterday's mail, tomorrow's meeting, five hours' rest, two days' vacation, an hour's work

3. Otherwise, use a compound noun:

the grammar rule, the fish bowl, the garage door, the afternoon train

4. Or an of construction. In this one the 'possessor' goes after of.

the title of the play, the name of the actor, the rest of the soup, the bottle of wine, the cup of coffee, freedom of movement

The choice between the last two is determined more by the traditions of common usage than by anything else.

CJ

Tenacious Learner · Answer

Thank you once again CJ! I'll be around searching, learning, thinking.

Yoong Liat · Answer

Because, according to me, car is also a thing, isn't it?

It's correct to say "according to him, her, them, you", but when 'me' is used, write/say "in my opinion", as stated above by CJ.

'Of' to indicate possession.

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