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Creolejazz Posted 20 years ago
Grammar

"our" or "us"?

Hi. Which is correct? Should it be "our" or "us" in this sentence?

There are two obstacles standing in the way of our reaching the top.

Thanks,

Dave
  

Top answer

Ah, the gerund issue raises its head again. Our . But you may want to do a search on gerunds.

— BarbaraPA

  • Ah, the gerund issue raises its head again.
  • Our .
  • But you may want to do a search on gerunds.
  • And if you think it sounds funny, rewrite: Two obtacles are keeping us from reaching the top.
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4 Answers
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Ah, the gerund issue raises its head again. Our. But you may want to do a search on gerunds.

And if you think it sounds funny, rewrite: Two obtacles are keeping us from reaching the top.
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Thank you. I agree with you. It should be "our". However, I've got a boss who likes "us" and it's HIS letter I'm proofing. Haha. What is the actual rule I can quote to prove my case? Thanks again.
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CreolejazzThank you. I agree with you. It should be "our". However, I've got a boss who likes "us" and it's HIS letter I'm proofing. Haha. What is the actual rule I can quote to prove my case? Thanks again.
Rule: since "reaching" is a gerund used as a noun, it uses the possessive adjective.
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Thank you. I agree with you. It should be "our". However, I've got a boss who likes "us" and it's HIS letter I'm proofing. Haha. What is the actual rule I can quote to prove my case? Thanks again.

Rule: The boss is always right.

CJ
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