What's the correct way to use 's with the meaning of possession?

[drageng123]

Dear teachers.
I know that If I want to say "this object(X) is owned by this person(Y)" is use the form: Y's X For example: Mark's book (we are talking about one book which is own by Mark).

I just wonder: is it MANDATORY to use the 's to express "possesion"?
For example:
Would be incorrect to say "Mark speaking" (instead of "Mark's speaking") with the meaning of "the act of speaking done by Mark"?

Thank you in advance.
Regards

 

[Barb_D]

Welcome to Using English.

Your question is more complicated than you might think.

The -ing words are a combination of a verb and a noun. Speaking, driving, telling, etc.

Under strict rules of grammar, the possessive is needed. I'm angry about his telling you. I'm angry about Mark's telling you.

However, this "rule" is often not followed. I'm angry about him telling you. I'm angry about Mark telling you. In fact, most people would tell you that "Mark's telling you" looks funny.

If the subject is the action itself, then you need the possessive: Mark's driving scares the bejeesus out of me.

If you want to try a few full sentences, we can tell you that it's required or it's optional under the rules of common use, if not the rules of strict grammar.

 

[5jj]

If Mark says on the telephone, 'Mark speaking', he is not indicating possession. It is simply an informal way of saying '(It is) Mark (who is) speaking'.

If I, 5jj, say '(Be quiet.) Mark's speaking', I am using the contracted form of 'is'.