Grammar Question. Help!

[Ringtone]

Generally, I'm a competent writer, but it recently occurred to me that I might not be using a particular, metaphoric device of simile correctly. For example, which is correct?

Its sound was that of an approaching train.

OR

Its sound was that of an approaching train's.

In other words: His wont was that of a beggar (or beggar's?). . . .

Thanks.

 

[Moonglow]

top one.

 

[Vastator]

Without knowing the characters perception... Both could be correct. Is it one train? Or multiples? The quandary in this writing isn't one of grammar. Rather one of context
..

 

[Dont Taz Me Bro]

Generally, I'm a competent writer, but it recently occurred to me that I might not be using a particular metaphoric device correctly. For example, which is correct?

It's sound was that of an approaching train.

OR

It's sound was that of an approaching train's.

In other words: His wont was that of a beggar (or beggar's?). . . .

Thanks.

I believe number one would be correct, but it should be its, not it's. It's is a contraction for "it is."

 

[Meister]

Without knowing the characters perception... Both could be correct. Is it one train? Or multiples? The quandary in this writing isn't one of grammar. Rather one of context
..

Are you talking about one train, or multiple trains. That should answer your question

 

[Ringtone]

I believe number one would be correct, but it should be its, not it's. It's is a contraction for "it is."

Yeah, I already caught the it's thingy. LOL! I started to express it differently and forgot to remove the apostrophe.

 

[Anomalism]

You don't need to establish possession of the sound twice, which is what you're doing in the second example. I don't know that it's incorrect to say it that way but it's definitely a little redundant.

 

[Otis Mayfield]

Either is cool.

 

[Unkotare]

Was an actual train approaching, or just something that sounded like one?

 

[ClaireH]

Generally, I'm a competent writer, but it recently occurred to me that I might not be using a particular, metaphoric device of simile correctly. For example, which is correct?

Its sound was that of an approaching train.

OR

Its sound was that of an approaching train's.

In other words: His wont was that of a beggar (or beggar's?). . . .

Thanks.

If you presented that to an English teacher, he or she would be hard-pressed to correct your use of either one. The train is singular with use of “an” and the noise is “owned” by the train so the possessive form works.

 

[Ringtone]

top one.

I've always used the top one, but recently wondered. Thanks.

 

[Captain Caveman]

Generally, I'm a competent writer, but it recently occurred to me that I might not be using a particular, metaphoric device of simile correctly. For example, which is correct?

Its sound was that of an approaching train.

OR

Its sound was that of an approaching train's.

In other words: His wont was that of a beggar (or beggar's?). . . .

Thanks.

1st one is fine.

Your 2nd option would require "an" to be omitted and the apostrophe to be removed out of train's to make that sentence correct.

 

[Moonglow]

I've always used the top one, but recently wondered. Thanks.

No problemo. I used to be a very prolific writer but I have no interest in it now.

 

[harmonica]

Generally, I'm a competent writer, but it recently occurred to me that I might not be using a particular, metaphoric device of simile correctly. For example, which is correct?

Its sound was that of an approaching train.

OR

Its sound was that of an approaching train's.

In other words: His wont was that of a beggar (or beggar's?). . . .

Thanks.

Without knowing the characters perception... Both could be correct. Is it one train? Or multiples? The quandary in this writing isn't one of grammar. Rather one of context
..

one train--not multiple ..I think he edited it

 

[Moonglow]

Was an actual train approaching, or just something that sounded like one?

It was an auditory hallucination from shooting drugs in his vein.....

 

[harmonica]

Ringtone I don't see why you can't use either
its sound was that of an approaching train's [ sound ]

 

[Ringtone]

Was an actual train approaching, or just something that sounded like one?

Ah! So that's the key? If like one, train's, if not, train?

 

[harmonica]

Was an actual train approaching, or just something that sounded like one?

wrong -- again

 

[Ringtone]

Are you talking about one train, or multiple trains. That should answer your question

Just one.

 

[Unkotare]

Ah! So that's the key? If like one, train's, if not, train?

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