" This usage,
however, ought generally to be avoided. The words do not literally
convey the ideas intended. What nonsense to say, "This is _the
governor of Ohio's_ house!"
2. When nouns in the possessive case are in apposition, and follow
each other in quick succession, the possessive sign is generally
annexed to the last only; as, "For _David_ my _servant's_ sake;
_John_ the _Baptist's_ head; The canal was built in consequence of
_De Witt Clinton_ the _governor's_ advice."
But when a pause is proper, and the governing noun not expressed,
the sign should be applied to the first possessive only, and
understood to the rest; as, "I reside at Lord _Stormont's_, my old
_patron_ and _benefactor_."
3. _Its_, the possessive case of _it_, is often improperly used for
_'tis_, or, _it is_; as, "_Its_ my book: _Its_ his," &c.; instead
of, _"It is_ my book; or, _'Tis_ my book; _It is_ his; or, _'Tis_
his."
4. Participles frequently govern nouns and pronouns in the
possessive case, as, "In case of his _majesty's dying_ without
issue, &c.
Pages:
400
401
402
403
404
405
406
407
408
409
410
411
412
413
414
415
416
417
418
419
420
421
422
423
424