[Grammar] Possessive case with inanimate objects

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Walt Whitman

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Jan 4, 2012
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English Teacher
Native Language
Italian
Home Country
Italy
Current Location
Italy
English teacher

I was wondering if native speakes would never say phrases like these (and if yes, why):

the street's name
the table's leg(s)
the door's handle
the window's pane
the book's pages / index
the house's roof / windows etc.

and other similar phrases where the first noun refers to inanimate objects.
I'm going to deal with possessive case with my 11-year-old students and I'd like to give them expressions / examples which are idiomatic and natural to a native's ear.
Thank you so much.
WW
 

Barb_D

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Yes. It's when I want to differentiate it from the other tables (or pieces of furniture), or other houses, etc.

You are in a furniture store:
A: I love this table.
B: Yes, but it's too expensive.
A: But look. This table's legs have some scratches. I wonder if they will drop the price.

You are on a city street:
A: I love the architecture here.
B: Me too. Especially the details. Look at this house's roofline!
B: Oh yes. That that house's columns.

You are in an old book store:
A: Be careful with these old books
B: Yes, I know. This book's pages are so delicate. I don't want to tear them.
 

Walt Whitman

Member
Joined
Jan 4, 2012
Member Type
English Teacher
Native Language
Italian
Home Country
Italy
Current Location
Italy
Thank you Barb. That's a really satisfactory answer.
Thank you Rover and 5jj.
WW
 
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