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English 1b3 Posted 16 years ago
Grammar

Tricky--possessives fronting an object

Often a possessive pronoun is required before the object of a preposition or verb:

1a) If you don't mind my asking.

1b) Due to dave's visiting me.

Question: Is there ever an instance where the object of a gerund or participle requires a pronoun in the possessive case and not the objective case?



causing=participle



2a) I saw him attack her, causing me to ask him why



2b) I saw him attack her, causing my to ask him why.



2c) I saw him attack her, causing my asking him why.





2d) I saw him attach her, causing my yelling at him.







Thanks
  

Top answer

2a) Correct 2b) Incorrect 2c) Technically correct, but quite awkward - don't use it 2d) See 2c

— Philip

  • 2a) Correct 2b) Incorrect 2c) Technically correct, but quite awkward - don't use it 2d) See 2c
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2 Answers
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2a) Correct

2b) Incorrect

2c) Technically correct, but quite awkward - don't use it

2d) See 2c
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Hi, Philip,

Could you possibly tell me why pronouns do not use the possessive case when they head the object of a participle or gerund?



And why are 2c and d technically correct and 2b is not?

Thanks
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