When a gerund needs its own subject, C1 English offers the genitive, more formal, as in do you mind my opening the window, or the accusative, far more common in speech, as in do you mind me opening the window. The genitive is preferred after verbs like mind and prepositions like without.
Grammar Rule
When a gerund needs its own subject, C1 English offers the genitive (possessive), more formal, or the accusative (object) form, far more common in speech. The genitive is preferred in formal writing and after verbs like mind, appreciate, resent, and after prepositions like without, before. With plural or non-human nouns, the accusative or plain noun is strongly preferred.
Gerund with Its Own Subject (Genitive vs. Accusative): Rules and Examples
| Form | Register | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Genitive (possessive) | formal writing, after mind/insist on/without | Do you mind my opening the window? |
| Accusative (object) | informal speech; plural/non-human nouns | Do you mind me opening the window? |
| Common error | subject pronoun instead of either form | Do you mind I opening? (incorrect) |
Remember: Use the possessive before a gerund in formal contexts, but the object form, or plain noun, in informal speech and with plural or non-human nouns.
Practice Test
Instructions
Answer each question in the test below giving the gerund its own subject correctly. You will get a new random set of questions every time you retake the test, plus a downloadable results summary with your name and score at the end.
C1-26 Gerund with its Own Subject
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Frequently Asked Questions
What form is preferred in formal writing before a gerund?
The genitive (possessive), as in do you mind my opening the window.
What form is more common in informal speech?
The accusative (object) form, as in do you mind me opening the window.
Which form is preferred with plural or non-human nouns?
The accusative or plain noun form is strongly preferred.
Can a subject pronoun be used directly before a gerund?
No, that is a common error; use either the genitive or accusative form instead.