Possessives of Inanimate Objects

Question

The chair's leg is informal. In formal writing, we say "The leg of the chair" and "The chair leg" since inanimate objects usually don't own things. (right?)

So my question is, for "two razors' edges, can we say "Two razors edges" and for "the razor's edge" can we say "the razor edge"?

~StepOnMe

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

Maybe. I think so...

CalifJim · Answer

StepOnMeThe chair's leg is informal. In formal writing, we say "The leg of the chair" and "The chair leg" since inanimate objects usually don't own things. (right?)

Yes. That works for me.

StepOnMeSo my question is, for "two razors' edges, can we say "Two razors edges" and for "the razor's edge" can we say "the razor edge"?

Those with 'two' are quite awkward.

two razors' edges ~ two razor edges¹ ~ the edges of two razors
the razor's edge ~ the razor edge ~ the edge of the razor

(¹There are exceedingly few cases in English where the first element of a compound noun is plural.)

CJ

StepOnMe · Answer

two razors' edges ~ two razor edges¹ ~ the edges of two razors

Is it suppose to be
two razors' edges ~ two razors edges¹ ~ the edges of two razors?

CalifJim · Answer

StepOnMeIs it suppose to be two razors' edges ~ two razors edges1 ~ the edges of two razors?

Ach! Read the footnote. You don't use a plural as the first component in a compound noun.

razor = first component - singular
edge = second component - singular
razor edge = compound noun

razor = first component - singular
edges = second component - plural
razor edges = compound noun

Similarly,
chair legs, cupboard doors, hedge clippers, war wounds, hand injuries

NOT
chairs legs, cupboards doors, hedges clippers, wars wounds, hands injuries

CJ

Possessives of Inanimate Objects

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