Choose the sentence that observes standard formal usage of a possessive noun with a gerund.
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. The board objected to his speaking to reporters without prior clearance.
- Step 1: In formal English, a gerund ('speaking') functioning as a verbal noun is modified by a possessive pronoun or noun. Step 2. The possessive pronoun 'his' modifies 'speaking'. Answer: The board objected to his speaking to reporters without prior clearance. Why not the others: Objective 'him' before a gerund is informal; subjective 'he' and reflexive 'himself' are ungrammatical.
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