English Genitive + Possessive Article (al/a/ai/ale)
Saying "of" and "whose" — cartea băiatului, and the al/a/ai/ale article that trips everyone up. Adapted for English. This English reference focuses on recognition, lookup, and practical reading rather than drills.
Rule 1: Form the genitive of the noun
Use this section to form the genitive of the noun in English. Check the example sentence, then compare the form with the surrounding words before applying the pattern elsewhere.
Rule 2: Choose al/a/ai/ale by the possessed noun
Use this section to choose al/a/ai/ale by the possessed noun in English. Check the example sentence, then compare the form with the surrounding words before applying the pattern elsewhere.
Rule 3: Read "of" and "whose" phrases
Use this section to read "of" and "whose" phrases in English. Check the example sentence, then compare the form with the surrounding words before applying the pattern elsewhere.
Examples
I understood the rule in this example.
I understood the rule in this example.
Use this as a English lookup example for possession.
The form changes according to context.
The form changes according to context.
Use this as a English lookup example for whose questions.
English lookup checklist
| Question | What to check |
|---|---|
| Meaning | What does the form contribute to the sentence? |
| Agreement | Does it match person, number, gender, case, or tense? |
| Position | Does placement change emphasis or grammatical role? |
Common Mistakes
- Do not translate the English pattern word-for-word from English.
- Check the whole phrase before deciding what a single form means.
- Watch for register: a correct written form can sound too formal in casual speech.
Lookup Tips
- Start with the example closest to your sentence.
- Identify the trigger word or ending before memorizing a rule.
- Save the topic as a focus if you expect to revisit it.