Hi
1. I am a friend of John.
2. I am a friend of John's.
I see that #2 is correct here.
https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/grammar/english-grammar-reference/possessives-pronouns
Is #1 ungrammatical?
Please give your views.
Suresh
vsureshIs #1 ungrammatical?
No, both are grammatical, but #2 is what people generally say.
By the way, the grammar of #2 is sometimes called the Anglo-Saxon genitive or the double genitive — if you like terminology.
Also possible with the same meaning:
I am one of John's friends.
CJ
Comments
It is hypercorrect. People who try to resolve the grammar of number 2 and fail suppose that it is therefore ungrammatical and create the erroneous number 1. These are the same people who say a person is six feet tall, not six foot tall.
You could also say:
"I am John's friend."
Thank you, CJ.
Suresh