Double Possessives in English: Rules, Exceptions, and Usage

Understanding the nuances of English grammar can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to possessive constructions. One common area of confusion is the usage of double possessives. This article will delve into the rules, exceptions, and usage of double possessives to help you navigate the intricacies of this linguistic feature.

Introduction to Double Possesses

Double possessives, or double genitives, are a grammatical construction in English that involve the use of both the possessive pronoun and the preposition of. For example, “a friend of my mother’s” and “a friend of my parents”.

Common Double Possessives

The phrase "the correct phrase is" is often used to indicate a choice between grammatically correct options. In the context of double possessives, we can see two common constructions: "some of my parents' friends" and "some friends of my parents."

Understanding the Double Genitive Construction

Both of these constructions are correct in English. This stems from a special construction called the double possessive, which is common but not obligatory. It is more prevalent in singular forms, such as “a friend of my mother's”, because the plural form may sound ambiguous. For example, “a friend of my parents” and “a friend of my parents'” sound the same, making it difficult to infer the intended meaning without additional context.

Rules of the Double Possessive Construction

To determine if a double possessive is correct, consider the following criteria:

The object of the preposition of must be definite. The object of the preposition of must be human.

For instance, “a friend of my uncles” is acceptable, but “a friend of the museums” is not, as museums are not human. Instead, you must say “a friend of the museum.”

Exception to the Double Possessive Rule

However, the rule is not always strictly followed in spoken language and informal writing. Many people use a common workaround, such as “a friend of an uncle of mine”, where the double possessive construction has seeped back in. This practice is particularly common in singular forms, making it less ambiguous.

Subject and Object of the Double Possessive

When it comes to the subject of the phrase (the noun before the preposition of), there are additional considerations:

If the subject is indefinite but not necessarily human, a double possessive is acceptable: “it’s a letter of my father’s.” If the subject is definite and human, a double possessive is also acceptable, but not required: “she’s a daughter of my cousin’s.”

However, if the subject is definite and human, the double possessive can sound awkward, as in “she’s the daughter of my cousin’s.” In such cases, a simpler construction is often preferred: “she’s the daughter of my cousin.”

Conclusion

The double possessive construction in English is a fascinating and sometimes confusing aspect of the language. By understanding the rules and exceptions, you can use these constructions effectively in both writing and speech. Whether you're an English native speaker or a learner, familiarizing yourself with double possessives will help you communicate more precisely and naturally.