Grammar help (1 Viewer)

[teapot2001]

I've helped a few people with their grammar, now I need some help.

I'm a bit confused as to when to use the subjective pronoun + present participle (him winning) and the possesive adjective + present participle (his winning).

~T

 

[Clinton McClure]

If you are looking for examples, you would use you winning as in Are you winning?
Your winning would be used as in What is your winning if your horse comes in first? (Your winning meaning what is your share of the prize money? This would normally be said, however as What are your winnings?)
Yet another way to use a version of you winning (you're winning) would be You're winning the game so far.

 

[BrianW]

The possessive adjective is used in conjuction with a present participle to substitute for a noun, as in "His winning would mean my losing." In this sentence, "his winning" is the subject (noun) of the sentence.

 

[teapot2001]

I'll provide an example to show my confusion:

1. I admire him finishing the race.
2. I admire his finishing the race.

Is only one of them correct? Or is there a difference?

~T

 

[Tom Meyer]

Both are 'correct', but have different meanings, I think.

1. 2. I admire his finishing the race.

You admire the fact that he finished the race. You admire the "idea" that he finished the race. Like he overcame something.

 

[BrianW]

I believe number 2 is correct, if I understand what it is you're trying to say. I don't believe number 1 would be correct except as a shortened (and substandard) version of Tom's rephrasing above.

 

[teapot2001]

Thanks guys.

~T

 

[teapot2001]

I was reading the Insomnia thread and came across this sentence: Something about it being hard for the brain to picture large scenery and that results in you falling asleep quicker.

Just to make sure I've understood this correctly, the "you" should be changed to "your." Right?

~T

 

[BrianW]

Right.