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Viceidol Posted 19 years ago
Grammar
's and of (posessive)
My grammar books tell me that for "living things" we say ~'s, not ~of~.
But why can we say "the plan's importance"? On the other hand, "the name of my father" is considered inappropriate.
Could you tell me why sometimes "dead things" (things that are not living creatures) could use "~'s" instead of "~of~" ?
Please give me your opinion. Thank you very much!
But why can we say "the plan's importance"? On the other hand, "the name of my father" is considered inappropriate.
Could you tell me why sometimes "dead things" (things that are not living creatures) could use "~'s" instead of "~of~" ?
Please give me your opinion. Thank you very much!
Top answer
I'm not the only native speaker who wonders where this "rule" came from that only living things can have the 's. Nonliving things can have the 's when appropriate, and "the plan's importance" is a great example. However, never before have I heard that a living thing cannot take the "of" construction.
- I'm not the only native speaker who wonders where this "rule" came from that only living things can have the 's.
- Nonliving things can have the 's when appropriate, and "the plan's importance" is a great example.
- However, never before have I heard that a living thing cannot take the "of" construction.
- It's completely without validity.
- "
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3 Answers
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I'm not the only native speaker who wonders where this "rule" came from that only living things can have the 's. Nonliving things can have the 's when appropriate, and "the plan's importance" is a great example.
However, never before have I heard that a living thing cannot take the "of" construction. It's completely without validity.
Also, you will often hear things like "He's a
However, never before have I heard that a living thing cannot take the "of" construction. It's completely without validity.
Also, you will often hear things like "He's a
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Generally your grammar book is correct.
There are cases, however, in which an inanimate (not "dead thing"!) can take the 's construction.
Most likely, only further contact and experience with English will give you a feel for when these exceptions occur.
CJ
There are cases, however, in which an inanimate (not "dead thing"!) can take the 's construction.
Most likely, only further contact and experience with English will give you a feel for when these exceptions occur.
CJ
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Thank you, Barbara and CalifJim. Now I know it's a difficult case even for native speakers.Your opinion is very helpful to
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