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what is this pattern?

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alan

Junior Member
Joined
Jul 8, 2004
i understand what "i admire your punctuality" means as well as its pattern,
but how about
"i admire your being punctual" ?
what is this pattern ? i dont understand why we use "your" here.
 
S

Susie Smith

Guest
alan said:
i understand what "i admire your punctuality" means as well as its pattern,
but how about
"i admire your being punctual" ?
what is this pattern ? i dont understand why we use "your" here.

In English, a possessive adjective is used to modify a gerund,as in
I admire your being punctual.
She complained about our being late.
BUT
In informal English, the object form of a pronoun is frequently used, as in
She complained about us being late.

Similarly, a possessive noun is used to modify a gerund, as in
She complained about Mary's being late.
BUT
In informal English, the possessive form is often not used.
She complained about Mary being late.
 
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