2.6 Using A Possessive To Modify A Gerund

We came to class late. Mr. Lee complained about that fact.

In formal English, a possesive adjective (e.g., our) is used to modify a gerund:

Formal                  : Mr. Lee complained about our coming to class late.

In Informal English, the object form of a pronoun (e.g., us) is frequently used. For example:

Informal              : Mr. Lee complained about us coming to class late.

In very formal English, a possesive noun (e.g., Mary’s) is used to modify a gerund. For example:

Formal                  : Mr. Lee complained about Mary’s coming to class late.

The possesive form is often not used in informal English.

Informal              : Mr. Lee complained about Mary coming to class late.

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