Conventions of Composition Rule 148 Practice

1. Wrong: Watching Michael Phelps swimming brings joy to millions.

Better: Watching Michael Phelps' swimming brings joy to millions.

Explanation: The object of the gerund watching is the gerund swimming, so Michael Phelpsneeds to become an adjective describing swimming.

2. Wrong: Casey wondered if his husband knew about his plan for them going on a trip to Alaska.

Better: Casey wondered if his husband knew about his plan for their going on a trip to Alaska.

Explanation: The object of the preposition for is the gerund going, which can't be preceded by a noun and must be preceded by a possessive.

3. Wrong: We still had three days drive to get to Graceland.

Better: We still had three days' drive to get to Graceland.

Explanation: The drive will take three days, so the days should be in the possessive case.