Hi,
I am not sure whether to make any of these possessive or not. I think some are allowed, that is, the one with the possessive and without the possessive are both OK, but are there some guidelines I can go by? Have to learn by examples?
The clothes I will be wearing for this year's ball are the same as last year/last year's. -- I think both are OK, but I think 'last year's' is far better. Are there any guidelines? Try writing the senetnce in the 'long form' and then shortening it. eg.
The clothes I will be wearing for this year's ball are the same as ( the clothes I wore ) for last year's ( ball ).
The date for the ball is the same as last year/last year's. -- Ditto in terms of my argument. Are there any guidelines? See above
Sorry, but can I use 'time' to refer to a date or possible/anticipated date? Yes.
It is expected that we will meet sometime in mid-July for our next meeting.
Best wishes, Clive