How Using Pliers Improves Your Language. Weird Possessives. Ducky File.
Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing
00:00
How to Use Double Possessives in English Writing
Double possessives are grammatically correct, but many urists believe that double possessives should be relegated to informal or semi formal writing. Double possessives have appeared in good writing for centuries and most people will use them at least every once in a while. When you're talking about inanimate objects, objects that aren't alive, such as the united kingdom, you can't use a double possessive. It definitely sounds odd to say a car of squigly. On the other hand, it's perfectly normal to say the crown jewels of the united kingdom - even though this is ungrammatical.
Transcript
Play full episode
