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FrancescoL Posted 17 years ago
Grammar

Please correct me.

I wish to thank you in advance for helping me.

I have doubts as to which of the following is correct english grammar, so I ask for your assistance or comments:

"without you having to disappear into obscurity...."

"without your having to disappear into obscurity..."

I look forward to your reply. Such a great forum. I shall hopefully be back to ask more questions.

Francesco in Italy (Puglia)
  

Top answer

The correct form for the subject of a gerund clause has been a matter of debate for years. The traditional answer is that the possessive form is the correct one: without your having to ... Nevertheless, you will hear and see the other version quite often, and sometimes it is the only sensible way to express the thought -- when there comes in subject position, for example: without there being any reason for doing so .

— CalifJim

  • The correct form for the subject of a gerund clause has been a matter of debate for years.
  • The traditional answer is that the possessive form is the correct one: without your having to ...
  • Nevertheless, you will hear and see the other version quite often, and sometimes it is the only sensible way to express the thought -- when there comes in subject position, for example: without there being any reason for doing so .
  • This would never be said as without there's being any reason for doing so.
  • CJ
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1 Answers
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The correct form for the subject of a gerund clause has been a matter of debate for years. The traditional answer is that the possessive form is the correct one: without your having to ...

Nevertheless, you will hear and see the other version quite often, and sometimes it is the only sensible way to express the thought -- when there comes in subject position, for
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