Yesterday, one of my students pointed out a possible discrepancy in the new Azar Understanding and Using English Grammar (4th ed) blue textbook. On page 118 (Sect. 7-8) the book says that a singular count noun (e.g., car) is always preceded by a possessive pronoun. However, on page 136 (Sect. 8-1) the book makes a distinction between possessive pronouns (mine, hers) and possessive adjectives (my, her). A possessive pronoun cannot precede a singular count noun--as in "hers car".

Is this a mistake in the book, or am I missing something? Thanks!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: JasonM,

quote:

On page 118 (Sect. 7-8) the book says that a singular count noun (e.g., car) is always preceded by a possessive pronoun.

probably in an adjectival function:-)

This has to be a typographical error. I am sure that the last item in Chart 7-8 is supposed to be 'possessive adjective.'

Thank you, Jason M, for pointing this out.

I'm going to forward this thread to Betty Azar herself.

Thank you very much for your quick reply.

-Jason

Yes, it should say "possessive adjective" and will be corrected in the next printing. Your student's knowledge of grammar is impressive!

For everyone's information:

Stacy Hagen -- who just posted -- is Betty Azar's co-author. Her name appears on all the new Azar books with Betty's, like this:

Betty Azar and Stacy Hagen.