The question is basically about the use of the verb "suggest" and the grammatical structure that accompanies it. I know that I can say "I suggest that you read that book" or
"I suggest reading that book", but I want to know if the expression "I suggest your reading that book" is correct.
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What do you want 'I suggest your reading that book' to mean?– Rayan KhanCommented May 27, 2021 at 19:49
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I don't think you can, but I don't know how to explain the grammar of it exactly. The construction you're trying to use (verb + possessive + gerund) doesn't work with "suggest" which needs an action. "Your reading that book" is more like a noun. "Your reading that banned book caused me to lose my job. I strongly suggest (that) you not read any more banned books."– ColleenVCommented May 27, 2021 at 20:10
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This may help Is 'his not having a name' grammatical correct?– ColleenVCommented May 27, 2021 at 20:20
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1 Answer
It is an expression that is probably correct. I say "probably" because there is almost no situation in which you would actually use "I suggest your reading...". It is always better to say "I suggest that you read..."
But a gerund/participle "reading" can have a subject in possessive form "your reading" (normally the subject is implied and omitted). I understand that meaning of the expression, but I would never use it. So it marginally correct...but don't use it (unless you need it for poetic reasons etc.)
