Conversation started Jul 17, 2015 at 12:05.
Damkerng T.
Damkerng T.
Jul 17, 2015 12:05
3
Q: "My pet's body size is like that of a rabbit" - or "like that of a rabbit's"? May we use the double possessive?

Cute My pet's body size is like that of a rabbit's. My pet's body size is like that of a rabbit. Which is correct?

possessive comparative double-genitive
Interesting question!
> a) My pet's body size is like that of a rabbit's.
> b) My pet's body size is like that of a rabbit.
> c) My pet is about the size of a rabbit.
inɒzɘmɒЯ.A.M
inɒzɘmɒЯ.A.M
Let me think. . .
@DamkerngT. This works for sure.
@DamkerngT. This is a different structure, burn it.
@DamkerngT. I think this also works, considering we're talking about the size of a body of a rabbit.
I love b) more.
Damkerng T.
Damkerng T.
Judging from the answers, I think this question is tricky even for native speakers.
Actually, I think I like c) the most.
b) is okay, I think. Personally, I don't like to use like that way.
inɒzɘmɒЯ.A.M
inɒzɘmɒЯ.A.M
Hmm.
Damkerng T.
Damkerng T.
> d) My pet's body size is about/around/almost that of a rabbit.
inɒzɘmɒЯ.A.M
inɒzɘmɒЯ.A.M
That's one weird sentence.
Damkerng T.
Damkerng T.
Jul 17, 2015 12:12
But this is probably my natural choice:
> c) My pet/cat/mouse is about the same size as a rabbit.
inɒzɘmɒЯ.A.M
inɒzɘmɒЯ.A.M
Meh. I'd use as big/revolutionary/cute/funny/odd/miserable as.
 
Conversation ended Jul 17, 2015 at 12:15.