Business & Technical Writing/Correct use of

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Expert: Alice J. Bogert - 7/19/2006


Question
I was an English major and always made A's in grammar throughout grade school and high school.  So, I am ashamed I even have to ask this question.  We are trying to create a basic grammar test.  Here is a sentence we know to be incorrect:

"The accident was caused by him driving recklessly through the crowded park."

We believe the correct phrasing should be:

"The accident was caused by his driving recklessly through the crowded park."

If this is truly the correct phrasing, what is the grammatical explanation for using "his", instead of "him"?  

Answer
Hi Mary, Great question! English grammar can be confusing sometimes for most of us.  No need to be ashamed to ask for clarification.  

The rule is:  Use a possessive noun or pronoun before a verb that ends in "ing." (we call a verb ending in "ing" a gerund)

example: I appreciated his calling me before he placed the order.

In your example, ask yourself WHOSE reckless driving caused the accident. The answer would be: It was HIS reckless driving that caused it. So, the possessive pronoun is "his" rather than "him."

Wishing you well.  

Alice Bogert

Business & Technical Writing

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Alice J. Bogert

Expertise

I have taught English grammar to elementary school, high school, and college students for several years in addition to private tutoring for students struggling with writing assignments. I also teach adult writing classes for business professionals in the private sector as well as for various government agencies. I have edited manuscripts and other writings submitted by various authors for publication to magazines and journals

Experience

I have studied English grammar for many years. While employed as a federal probation officer, I wrote hundreds of pre-sentence reports to assist federal judges in making fair and appropriate sentencing decisions. I've written short stories and poetry for publication, and I've helped write policy and procedure manuals for various government offices.

Organizations
National Association of Retired Federal Employees Writers Guild of America Professional Women's Assoc.

Publications
"Journal of Juvenile and Family Courts," 1978. "International Library of Poetry," 2003.

Education/Credentials
I have an M.A, Degree in Sociology, and I minored in English.

Awards and Honors
I received three meritorious quality step awards for excellence during my career as a federal probation officer. I was also a nominee for National Probation Officer of the Year in 1986. I am listed in the 1998 edition of "Who's Who in Professions."

Past/Present Clients
California County and State government Federal government Various School Districts Los Rio Community College District Readers' Digest

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