over his having developed?

[ostap77]

"There's been a lot of buzz over his having developed a new method for such a complex problem." OK? Can I say "him having developed a new method"?

 

[5jj]

"There's been a lot of buzz over his having developed a new method for such a complex problem." OK? Can I say "him having developed a new method"?

Yes

 

[Coolfootluke]

I am not a teacher.

Some say yes. I think it sounds wrong. The question of the possessive with the gerund is a point of dispute in English right now. I say use it when you can, but whichever way you do it, you will sound wrong to somebody.

 

[ostap77]

Yes

What about "him developing" in this context? Would it mean the same?

 

[5jj]

What about "him developing" in this context? Would it mean the same?

Not necessarily.

There's been a lot of buzz over him/his having developed a new method for such a complex problem. The development of the method is finished.

There's been a lot of buzz over him/his developing a new method for such a complex problem.The developing may still be going on.

 

[ostap77]

Not necessarily.

There's been a lot of buzz over him/his having developed a new method for such a complex problem. The development of the method is finished.

There's been a lot of buzz over him/his developing a new method for such a complex problem.The developing may still be going on.

So I can mean both things? "He reported to the police being mugged." In tis one it's clear that he's been mugged. There is no need to say "having been mugged"?