Thus, an of phrase may be used instead of the possessive case. In speaking of an inanimate object one should use it instead of the apostrophe and s; as, the top of the mountain. However, we use such expressions as last year's prices.
When, as in the name of a firm, two or more nouns are taken together with the idea of common possession, the sign of the possessive is added to the last noun only. If separate possession is implied, the sign of the possessive is added to each noun; as,
Have you seen Wilson & King's new building?
This is Mary and Helen's room.
Is this Mary's or Helen's coat?
A noun or pronoun is in the possessive case before a verbal noun; as,
I prefer to have John's studying done before dinner.
I prefer to have his studying done before dinner.
Write sentences expressing relation between the words in the following pairs. Use one of them in the possessive case or use an of phrase, whichever seems better.
| the manager, desk | city, harbor |
| desk, top drawer | proprietor, private office |
| book, cover | typewriter, keys |
| city, mayor | ledger, first page |
Bring to class five incorrect possessive phrases taken from advertisements. Explain and correct the mistakes.
Exercise 83
Which of the italicized words would you use? Why?