This document discusses the use of prepositional phrases with "of" to show possession. It notes that "of" is commonly used to show possession of nonliving things or abstract ideas/plans. It also uses "of" for possessive phrases that are more than two words long. The document cautions that sometimes only the '-s' form is correct, while other times both the '-s' form and the prepositional phrase with "of" are acceptable. It provides examples showing the correct uses of possessives and prepositional phrases.

1. Section A

2. Sometimes we use a prepositional phrase with
of to show possession.
• This is common when we talk about a
nonliving thing.
I don’t know the title of the book.
(NOT: the book’s title)
He walked to the end of the hallway.
(NOT: the hallway’s end)

3. • It is also common to use of when we talk
about an abstract thing or idea.
Water is needed for the production of electricity.
(NOT: electricity’s production)
The success of the plan depends on cooperation.
(The success of the plan = the plan’s success.)

4. • We also often use of when we use a
possessive phrase that is more than two
words long.
The appointment of the new sales manager will
be announced soon.
(The appointment of the new sales manager = the
new sales manager’s appointment.)
Be careful!
Sometimes it is incorrect to use a noun phrase + -’s.
Sometimes both forms are correct: ’s or the
prepositional phrase with of.

5. Section B

6. Look at the common errors.
Please don’t drink from that water’s glass.✗
Please don’t drink from that glass of water.✓
The parents of Sylvia are here.✗
Sylvia’s parents are here.✓