Correct use of "... of yours"

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Anonymous  #514400  Fri, 16 May 08 12:33 PM

Hello,

I'm writing in regarding the correct use of "... of yours".

For example, when should I say "I like your watch" or "I like this watch of yours"?

I looked on the internet and in my English grammar books but to no avail.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Regards,

Florian

  
Grammar Geek  #514410  Fri, 16 May 08 01:47 PM

I would say that at least 95% of the time, "your watch" will be the more expected and natural way to phrase it.

Sometimes you say things like "That new red car of yours looks like a blast to drive," but it would always be appropriate to say "Your new red car..." instead.

 

  
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Anonymous  #514477  Fri, 16 May 08 04:39 PM
 "Yours" means "belonging to you" and thus both of the examples you quote is correct, although the latter "this watch of yours" is more colloquial and would be regarded by some as poor English, even though it is widely used. The word may also be used in letter as in "Yours faithfully". It should never be written "your's" !! Also look our for the difference between "your" and "you're" - incorrect use of these words is a very common event in English. Remember "your" means "belonging to you" whereas "you're" means "you are".

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