governing noun not expressed, the sign should be applied to the first possessive only, and understood to the rest; as, “I reside at Lord Stormont’s, my old patron and benefactor.”

3. Its, the possessive case of it, is often improperly used for ’tis, or, it is; as, “Its my book:  Its his,” &c.; instead of, "It is my book; or, ’Tis my book; It is his; or, ’Tis his.”

4.  Participles frequently govern nouns and pronouns in the possessive case, as, “In case of his majesty’s dying without issue, &c.; Upon God’s having ended all his works, &c.; I remember its being reckoned a great exploit; At my coming in he said,” &c.  But in such instances, the participle with its adjuncts may be considered a substantive phrase, according to Note 2, Rule 28.

5.  Phrases like these, “A work of Washington Irving’s; A brother of Joseph’s; A friend of mine; A neighbor of yours,” do not, as some have supposed, each contain a double possessive, or two possessive cases, but they may be thus construed; “A work of (out of, or, among the number of) Washington Irving’s works; that is, One of the works of Washington Irving; One of the brothers of Joseph; One friend of my friends; One neighbor of your neighbors.”

FALSE SYNTAX.

    Homers works are much admired.

    Nevertheless, Asa his heart was not perfect with the Lord.

    James Hart, his book, bought August the 19, 1829.

    Note 1.  It was the men’s, women’s, and children’s lot to suffer
    great calamities.

    This is Peter’s, John’s, and Andrew’s occupation.

    Note 2.  This is Campbell’s the poet’s production.

    The silk was purchased at Brown’s, the mercer’s and haberdasher’s.

    Note 4.  Much will depend on the pupil composing frequently.

    Much depends on this rule being observed.

    The measure failed in consequence of the president neglecting to lay
    it before the council.

RULE XIII.

Personal pronouns must agree with the nouns for which they stand, in gender and number; as, “John writes, and he will soon write well.”

NOTE.  You, though frequently employed to represent a singular noun, is always plural in form; therefore the verb connected with it should be plural; as, “My friend, you were mistaken.”  See pages and

FALSE SYNTAX

    Every man will be rewarded according to their works.

Incorrect, because the pronoun their does not agree in gender or number with the noun “man,” for which it stands; consequently Rule 13, is violated. Their should be his; and then the pronoun would be of the masculine gender, singular number, agreeing with man, according to Rule 13. (Repeat the Rule.)