Question regarding "'s"

Question

Which of the following is/are correct?

Write an article discussing the pros and cons of universities laying stress on their world rankings.

Write an article discussing the pros and cons of universities' laying stress on their world rankings.

She forgave Tom being late.

She forgave Tom's being late.

I have long been troubled by this question. Could anyone help me?

Regards · Accepted Answer

Hi,

Write an article discussing the pros and cons of the universities which lay stress on their world rankings.

She forgave Tom for (his) being late.

Regards

CalifJim · Answer

I have long been troubled by this question.

Join the long list! Grammarians have been discussing this question and arguing about it for ages.

In short, the more formal version (and the more "correct" version) is the one with the possessive form.

That doesn't mean that everyone uses the possessive in every case like this. Some editors insist on the possessive form; some do not.

One of the sources of argument is that the possessive and non-possessive forms occasionally have different meanings.

She doesn't like me driving. (~ She doesn't want me to drive.)

She doesn't like my driving. (~ She doesn't like the way I drive.)

I suggest rewording your sentence to avoid having to make the choice whenever it's possible.

When that's not possible, consider your audience. If you are writing for academic purposes, use the more formal version. If you are writing something lighter - an amusing story, a letter or e-mail to a friend - you need not use the possessive form if it seems too formal to your ear.

CJ

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