Possessive Pronoun?

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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

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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  
vsureshIs #1 ungrammatical?

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.

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You could also say:

"I am John's friend."

 CalifJim's reply was promoted to an answer.
CalifJimNo, 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.

Thank you, CJ.

Suresh

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