Grammar- a friend of Tom's OR a friend of Tom

[ioujj]

Hello,
Which one is right, he is a friend of Tom's OR he is a friend of Tom.
Thanks in advance

 

[MikeNewYork]

They are both correct, although I much prefer the latter.

 

[Rover_KE]

I prefer 'a friend of Tom's', because I'd say 'a friend of mine' rather than 'a friend of me'.

 

[MikeNewYork]

I use "friend of mine". But I stay away from things such as "friend of my father's.

 

[Tdol]

They are both correct

They are.

 

[TheParser]

***** NOT A TEACHER *****

Hello, Ioujj:

In my opinion:

1. In formal writing (a university report, a business letter, etc.), I would definitely feel more comfortable writing, "As a friend of Tom, I can tell you that he is an ethical person who deserves this position."

2. In ordinary conversation, I have heard the so-called "double possessive" so often in my 70+ years that I would say, "As a friend of Tom's, I resent your nasty words about him."

*****

A few years ago, I also found another opinion:

3. "I am a friend of Eliot's." = Eliot regards me as a friend (of his).
4. "I am a friend of Eliot." = I regard Eliot as a friend (of mine).

[IF -- if! -- you buy that opinion, then I think that people who personally know Her Majesty would say, "I am a friend of Queen Elizabeth's." I, of course, would merely say, "I am a friend [supporter/ fan] of Queen Elizabeth." That is to say, I admire her or approve of her views, but -- of course -- she has never heard of me!]

The source for #3 and #4: Re: Friend of yours www phrases.org uk.

 

[probus]

They are both correct, although I much prefer the latter.

Interesting, coming from a native speaker. I, on the hand, much prefer the former. Illogical as it is, I feel it is preferable and can never be wrong because I learnt it when I was two.

 

[MikeNewYork]

I reject it because it is illogical. In most cases (pronouns excluded) it makes little sense.