Occasionally a noun that has the form of a possessive modifier is added to another noun to express some other idea than possession. For example, in the expression Longfellow's poems, the noun Longfellow's shows the author instead of the possessor of the poem. The expression a fool's cap means a cap like those once worn by fools, and not a cap possessed by a fool. Such words are called possessive modifiers because of their form, although they do not show possession.

Exercise 120

Tell how each noun or pronoun is used. Make a list of the possessive modifiers. Which ones do not show possession?

1. Surely that is not your opinion.

2. Loud and shrill sounded the men's voices.

3. He has a lion's strength.

4. Have you my geography?

5. The man's anger destroyed his prudence.

6. Here is your sister's umbrella.

7. Boys' suits are cheap at Smith Brothers' store.

Exercise 121. Development

Find each noun or pronoun that is added to another noun or pronoun, and that represents the same thing as the word to which it is added. See if the two words are connected by any word.

1. He is a criminal.

2. I know his lawyer, Mr. Henry Brown.

3. She, my trusted friend, has betrayed me.

4. They chose him leader.

5. Do you know Mr. Smith, the carpenter?

6. She is a friend, one to be trusted.

7. She introduced her friend, Miss White, to me.

The noun criminal (1) is added to the pronoun he by the verb is. It is a predicate attribute.

The noun leader (4) is added to the pronoun him by the verb chose. It is a predicate attribute of the object.

The nouns, Mr. Henry Brown, friend, carpenter, and Miss White, and the pronoun one are added to other nouns or pronouns directly, or without a connecting word. Such nouns and pronouns as the last are called appositives. Some call them explanatory modifiers. They must not be confused with predicate attributes and predicate attributes of the object.