##  [possessive with gerunds](/writing-tips-plus/possessive-with-gerunds)

##  Avertissement

Ce contenu est offert en anglais seulement.

A gerund is a verb form ending in *ing*, such as *being*, *doing*, *having*, *going*, *reading* or *writing*. Although it is a verb form, a gerund does not act as a verb. Instead, it acts as a noun and can do whatever a noun can do. For example, a gerund can be the subject or object of a verb or the object of a preposition:

- *Leaving* was a wise decision. \[Leaving *is the subject of the verb* was.\]
- We celebrated *winning*. \[Winning *is the object of the verb* celebrated.\]
- Natalie objects to *borrowing*. \[Borrowing *is the object of the preposition* to.\]

##  Using the possessive before a gerund

We often put a noun or pronoun in front of a gerund to show who or what is doing the action in the gerund. This noun or pronoun is called the *subject* *of the gerund*. In formal writing, the subject of the gerund should be in the possessive form:

- ***Your** leaving* early was a wise decision.
- We celebrated ***Gord’s** winning* the contest.
- Natalie objected to ***my** borrowing* her hockey stick.

**Note:** In informal writing, there is a trend toward dropping the possessive before a gerund. We often use a simple noun or an object pronoun instead:

- We celebrated ***Gord** winning* the contest.
- Natalie objected to ***me** borrowing* her hockey stick.

However, in formal writing, the use of the possessive form before a gerund is still preferred. Also, the possessive form may be important for clarity. Consider the difference between the two examples below:

- Jorge is in favour of the **candidate** being interviewed Friday. \[*Jorge likes the candidate who has an interview on Friday.*\]
- Jorge is in favour of the **candidate’s** being interviewed Friday. \[*Jorge wants the interview to be on Friday.*\]

##  Rewording to avoid the possessive

If the possessive before a gerund seems stilted, simply reword the sentence:

- *Your decision to leave* early was a wise one.
- We celebrated *Gord’s success*.
- Natalie objected *when I borrowed* her hockey stick.
- Jorge is in favour of *holding the interview* Friday.

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## Liens connexes

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