Ads 468x60px

Pages

Double possessive/Euphony/Emphasis - - Case - Noun-Parts Of Speech-ESL/Learn English Grammar

CLICK FOR LESSONS | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 |



[Sidenote: _The double possessive._]


68. A peculiar form, a double possessive, has grown up and become a

fixed idiom in modern English.


In most cases, a possessive relation was expressed in Old English by

the inflection _-es_, corresponding to _'s_. The same relation was

expressed in French by a phrase corresponding to _of_ and its object.

Both of these are now used side by side; sometimes they are used

together, as one modifier, making a double possessive. For this there

are several reasons:--


[Sidenote: _Its advantages: Euphony_.]


(1) When a word is modified by _a_, _the_, _this_, _that_, _every_,

_no_, _any_, _each_, etc., and at the same time by a possessive noun,

it is distasteful to place the possessive before the modified noun,

and it would also alter the meaning: we place it after the modified

noun with _of_.


[Sidenote: _Emphasis._]


(2) It is more emphatic than the simple possessive, especially when

used with _this_ or _that_, for it brings out the modified word in

strong relief.


[Sidenote: _Clearness._]


(3) It prevents ambiguity. For example, in such a sentence as, "This

introduction _of Atterbury's_ has all these advantages" (Dr. Blair),

the statement clearly means only one thing,--the introduction which

Atterbury made. If, however, we use the phrase _of Atterbury_, the

sentence _might_ be understood as just explained, or it might mean

this act of introducing Atterbury. (See also Sec. 87.)


The following are some instances of double possessives:--


This Hall _of Tinville's_ is dark, ill-lighted except where she

stands.--CARLYLE.


Those lectures _of Lowell's_ had a great influence with me, and

I used to like whatever they bade me like.--HOWELLS


Niebuhr remarks that no pointed sentences _of Cæsar's_ can have

come down to us.--FROUDE.


Besides these famous books _of Scott's and Johnson's_, there is a

copious "Life" by Thomas Sheridan.--THACKERAY


Always afterwards on occasions of ceremony, he wore that quaint

old French sword _of the Commodore's_.--E.E. HALE.




CLICK FOR LESSONS | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 |

0 comments:


Hello Friends ! Please send your requests,comments,suggestions to improve this blog. Learn English Grammar & Usage; Are U Anxious To Know The Science & Tech News; Where Are You ? Know The Changes; Health:News N Tips
Word of the Day

entomb discuss

Definition:(verb) Place in a grave or tomb.
Synonyms:inhume, inter, lay to rest, bury
Usage:He was entombed here in this crypt alongside his predecessors.
Article of the Day

Islamic Banking

Islamic banking is a system of banking that is consistent with Islamic Sharia law. In particular, it prohibits usury—the collection and payment of interest—and investment in businesses considered unlawful. In the late 20th century, a number of Islamic banks were created to cater to the needs of the Muslim banking market. These institutions rely on the common Islamic concepts of profit sharing, safekeeping, joint venture, and leasing. How are these banks able to operate without charging interest? More... Discuss

This Day in History

US Secretary of State George Marshall Announces the Marshall Plan (1947)

World War II left the finances and industry of Europe crippled. In 1947, Marshall proposed a plan for the US to finance the European recovery. From 1948 to 1952, it provided almost $13 billion in grants and loans to 17 countries and was a key factor in reviving their economies and stabilizing their political structures. While most of Europe embraced the plan, it was strongly opposed by the Soviet Union and some Eastern European nations. How, according to Marshall, would this plan benefit the US? More... Discuss
Today's Birthday

John Couch Adams (1819)

Before the planet Neptune was discovered, Adams—an English astronomer and mathematician—correctly predicted its existence and position based on irregularities in the motion of Uranus. However, the credit for the discovery went to Urbain Leverrier, who had come to the same conclusion later but published his findings earlier. In 1846, the planet was first observed by a German astronomer using Leverrier's calculations. A modest man, Adams also declined to publish what other findings? More... Discuss

In the News

Quote of the Day
It is kindness that makes one strong and brave; and so we are kind to our prisoners.
L. Frank Baum
(1856-1919)
Discuss

Spelling Bee
difficulty level:
score: -
adj. Not real; pretended
 
spell the word:
Match Up
Select word:










Match each word in the left column with its synonym on the right. When finished, click Answer to see the results. Good luck!