The rule is that a gerund has to be preceded by a possessive noun or pronoun.Welcome!
Hello!Can anybody please help me as I'm completely confused!!!
I HATE THEM TALKING LIKE THIS. :cross:
or
I HATE THEIR TALKING LIK[STRIKE]K[/STRIKE]E THIS. :tick:
Don't be too concerned. Even we natives get it wrong half the time.Hello!Can anybody please help me as I'm completely confused!!!
I HATE THEM TALKING LIKE THIS :tick:
or
I HATE THEIR TALKING LIKE THIS? :roll:
Either that, or they use a different grammar book than you do.Many native speakers either don't know this rule or choose not to follow it.
2006I also consulted Mr. Swan's book and he says:
"In informal style it is more common to use object forms (like, me, John) instead of possessives (my, John's) with -ing forms, especially when these come after a verb or preposition"
Do you mind me smoking? Excuse me ringing up so late.
After some verbs (see, hear, watch, feel) possessives are not normally used with -ing forms. Yes, the preceding verb can make a difference. "hate" and "see" are quite different verbs in this context.
I saw him (as he was getting) out of the car. (NOT I saw his getting out of the car)
xxx
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