3
I arrived in London on 25th of November.
I arrived in London on 25th November. You say ‘the 25th of November’ or ‘November the 25th’ but you write ‘25th November’ or ‘November 25th’ (WITHOUT the or of ). 4
The old man didn’t give me a minute of peace.
The old man didn’t give me a minute’s peace. When you say how long something lasts, you usually use -’ s/-s ’ (NOT of ): ‘a week’s holiday’, ‘three months’ maternity leave’ Note however the pattern with of + v-ing : ‘After two months of doing nothing, I decided it was time to get on with my life.’ 5
The bicycle of Paul was too big for me.
Paul’s bicycle was too big for me. This coat isn’t mine. It’s of a friend.
This coat isn’t mine. It’s a friend’s. To say that something belongs to or is connected with someone, use -’ s/-s ’ (NOT of ). Compare: ‘Pam’s husband’, ‘Julia’s house’, ‘her father’s car’, ‘a beginners’ course in French conversation 6
He is a good friend of them.
He is a good friend of theirs. A friend of you phoned and wants you to call her.
A friend of yours phoned and wants you to call her. When the meaning is possessive, use of + mine/yours/his/hers/ours/theirs. Compare: ‘That’s a photograph of him.’ (= showing him), ‘That’s a photograph of his.’ (= belonging to or taken by him) 7
The scenery reminded her of a painting of Renoir.
