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Re: Plural, Possessive, and Something Is

1. Plural: There are four Sundays this month.
2. Possessive: What is Sunday's purpose in life? Why can't we have six days in a week?
3. It is: This Sunday's my Mom's birthday.

They are all grammatically okay, though 3. is best reserved for informal use (otherwise use "This Sunday is my Mom's birthday).

In 2. I'd prefer "What is the purpose of Sunday in life"? Descriptive genitives like "Sunday's purpose" are a somewhat unproductive category. Some work well, some don't and some are a bit iffy. For example, it is possible to have "a glorious summer's day" but not *"a glorious autumn's day" (instead we say "a glorious autumn/autumnal day).

I've no idea why; it's just the way English has developed over the years.


PaulM

Re: Plural, Possessive, and Something Is

Thanks! That clears it up, I suppose.