Unit 3.2
Possessive Case without Objects
Introduction
The possessive form is used to talk about things that belong to a person, object or animal.
We can form the possessive case with a following objects or in some cases we can use a possessive without objects, if the meaning is clear.
Form
Possessive case without objects has two structures:
- for places: preposition of place + owner + (‘s)…
- for possessions: inanimate subject + verb + owner + (‘s)…
Example
- People’s properties:
- Where did you write your report? – At Julia‘s.
- In which internet café were you yesterday? – At Jim‘s.
- Where did they organize the party? – At Frank‘s.
- Possessive in the first and second sentence:
- I don’t think it’s Rob‘s keyboard, I think it’s Keith‘s.
- I didn’t receive a call from Maria‘s mother, but John‘s.
- She didn’t go on a date with Mark‘s brother, but Max‘s.
- Possessive in the question and the reply:
- Is that your password? – No, it’s my father‘s.
- Are these Laura‘s keys? – No, they are mine.
- Is this her house? – No, it’s ours.
Use
We use the possessive case without objects to avoid repetitions of possession.
We use it:
- when we talk about people’s houses, shops, firms and churches;
- when there is a possessive in the first sentence and in the second sentence;
- when there is a possessive in the question and in the reply.
Summary
We find the possessive case without objects in the same sentence to avoid repetitions of possession.
It has two structures:
- for places: we start the clause with a preposition of place followed by the owner with ‘s.
- for possessions: we start the clause with the inanimate subject followed by a verb followed by the owner with ‘s.
For example:
— “I am going to Jake‘s.” = When we talk about people’s houses, shops, firms…, we often drop the noun following the possessive (Jake’s house).
— “I don’t think it’s Rob‘s keyboard, I think it’s Keith‘s.” = We use the first possessive to refer to Rob’s keyboard, while we use the second possessive with an inanimate subject to avoid repetition.
♦ “It’s the keyboard of Keith‘s.” = We use the double genitive (of and the possessive case ‘s) to show the possession.
Let’s revise this content within the {Form} section. Take a look at the {Example} section that shows its use within a context.