double possessive
Low (specialist term), though the construction itself is common.Formal to informal, but the term itself is technical/linguistic. The construction is standard in all registers.
Definition
Meaning
A grammatical construction, also called a double genitive, where possession is indicated twice, typically using 'of' and a possessive pronoun or noun (e.g., 'a friend of my father's').
It denotes a partitive or selective relationship, implying one among several belonging to the possessor. It often adds a nuance of familiarity or specificity and can be used with indefinite articles (a/an, this, that, these, those, some).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
It combines the 'of'-genitive and the 's-genitive. It is often required for semantic precision and naturalness, especially with demonstratives (e.g., 'that idea of his' sounds more natural than 'that his idea'). Some prescriptive grammarians historically objected to it, but it is fully standard.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in the use of the construction itself. The term 'double possessive' is slightly more common in AmE, while 'double genitive' is used more in BrE linguistic texts, but both are understood.
Connotations
None.
Frequency
The construction is equally frequent and natural in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Indefinite article/demonstrative] + noun + of + [possessive noun/pronoun]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “N/A”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rarely discussed unless in communication training. The construction may appear: 'a client of the company's'.
Academic
Primarily discussed in linguistics, grammar, and language teaching contexts.
Everyday
The construction is very common in speech: 'a neighbour of mine', 'that dog of Sarah's'.
Technical
The core context for the term itself, used in grammatical analysis and description.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The double possessive structure is often misunderstood.
- He gave a classic double possessive example.
American English
- The double possessive construction is perfectly standard.
- Her essay analyzed double possessive usage.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- She's a friend of my sister's.
- I really like that car of yours.
- It was an old idea of the professor's that they revived.
- Several colleagues of mine attended the conference.
- The nuanced meaning conveyed by the double possessive, as in 'a criticism of the PM's', is often irreplaceable.
- Linguists have debated the acceptability of this construction, but it's now considered entirely grammatical.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of it as a 'belt and braces' approach to showing ownership: using 'of' AND an apostrophe 's' or possessive pronoun for extra security.
Conceptual Metaphor
POSSESSION IS A FILTER (selecting one item from a set owned by someone).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation. Russian uses simple genitive case. 'A friend of my father's' is NOT translated as *'друг моего отца's' but as 'один из друзей моего отца' or simply 'друг моего отца'.
- The possessive pronoun in the construction (e.g., 'of mine') is often mistranslated as a simple possessive adjective.
Common Mistakes
- Using it with a definite article: *'the friend of my father's' (usually incorrect; 'my father's friend' or 'the friend of my father' is used).
- Using it without a possessive element: *'a friend of father' (must be 'a friend of my father's' or 'a friend of my father' with a different, less specific meaning).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a correct double possessive construction?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is fully standard and accepted in both formal and informal English.
Typically, no. The double possessive usually requires an indefinite article (a/an) or a demonstrative (this, that, these, those). '*The friend of my father's' is generally considered incorrect.
'A picture of the king' is a portrait depicting the king. 'A picture of the king's' is a picture owned by the king (it could be of anything).
Often you can, but not always. 'A friend of my father's' implies one among several friends, adding a slight nuance of selection. Also, with pronouns, 'a friend of mine' is far more natural than the impossible *'mine friend'.