Usage of "that of"

[subhajit123]

Is this sentence grammatically correct, "My sister is more beautiful than that of John" ?

I know it is grammatically right to say "My sister is more beautiful than John's". I just want to know from native speakers if I can use "that of" to refer back living objects. please help me.

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[bhaisahab]

No, that's not correct.

 

[subhajit123]

So, is it wrong if I say "My sister is more beautiful that of John"? Thanks in advace sir. please explain

 

[bhaisahab]

It is wrong. We simply do not say it like that.

 

[emsr2d2]

Not least because you failed to capitalise "John" every time you wrote it.

 

[subhajit123]

Thank you, I have corrected my errors in the sentence. Is the sentence correct now?

 

[subhajit123]

Dear sirs, can you tell me why is the sentence "My sister is more beautiful than that of John" incorrect and correct usage of "that of"?

 

[Rover_KE]

[STRIKE]Dear sirs[/STRIKE] Please stop writing 'sir/sirs'. You are receiving answers from male and female teachers.)

Can you tell me why [STRIKE]is[/STRIKE] the sentence "My sister is more beautiful than that of John" is incorrect and show me the correct usage of "that of"?

We don't use 'that' to refer back to people in this context.

You can use 'that of' to refer to other living things like plants and animals:

'My puppy is more playful than that of Willie Eckerslike';

'Anna Conda's python is less friendly than that of Maurice Dance.'

But as you already know (from post #1), it's more natural to say 'My sister is more beautiful than John's', stick to that construction instead.