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Iiluvpsycho Posted 17 years ago
Grammar

On the possessive case.

Dear friends in this site.

I wonder the difference between "one of my friends" and "a friend of mine". Are they the same or not? If not, would you please explain to me the difference?

Thanks in advance.
  

Top answer

Dear friend, a friend of mine is called 'double genitive' in English. It is formed by combining an of- construction with a genitive. It means, as you correctly suppose, 'one of my friends'.

— Andriy Lapin

  • Dear friend, a friend of mine is called 'double genitive' in English.
  • It is formed by combining an of- construction with a genitive.
  • It means, as you correctly suppose, 'one of my friends'.
  • Contrast: my friend - presupposes definiteness vs.
  • a friend of mine - indefiniteness <it is not known which friend, just one of them> Respectfully, Gleb Chebrikoff
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3 Answers
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Dear friend,

a friend of mine is called 'double genitive' in English. It is formed by combining an of-construction with a genitive. It means, as you correctly suppose, 'one of my friends'. Contrast:

my friend - presupposes definiteness vs. a friend of mine - indefiniteness <it is not
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iiluvpsychodifference between "one of my friends" and "a friend of mine"
The meaning is exactly the same.

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Dear frined.
Gleb_Chebrikoffmy friend - presupposes definiteness vs. a friend of mine - indefiniteness <it is not known which friend, just one of them>
Depending on your explanation, I wonder that If the phrase the friend of hers
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