"sb doing sth" or "sb's doing sth"?

[Jaro7788]

I don't really know how else I should name this particular problem. Well, the thing is, I can't distinguish between two versions of the same sentence. So, for example, am I to say:

I like the view of you sitting by the window.

or

I like the view of your sitting by the window.

The same thing goes for these two sentences:

If it weren't for Michael getting out of jail, I wouldn't be so worried.

or

If it weren't for Michael's getting out of jail, I wouldn't be so worried.

[Alan]

Please activate Javascript in your browser to listen to this audio recording

20 Listened

Download mp3	Click to listen

Hi,

The difference is that with both 'you' and 'Michael' the emphasis is on the two objects (you and Michael) but with the possessive forms (your and Michael's) the emphasis is on their actions.

Alan
_________________
English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Present Simple