Saturday, December 6, 2008

You and your

A recent letter from STC asks me to renew my membership. It says, "We look forward to you renewing your membership." 

STC is a fine organization. It diligently advances the profession of technical communication. Even in good times it helps us sharpen our professional saw. In hard economic times like these, it provides essential networking and support. Sentences like the one in the renewal solicitation, however, leave careful writers shaking their heads.

Some consider the use of possessive case in such sentences arcane -- a sign that the distinction may be on the way out. For now, though, the letter should say, "We look forward to your renewing your membership."

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