Question

1. Can you imagine his forgetting his own birthday?
2. Can you imagine him forgetting his own birthday?

• A. The first sentence is correct
• B. The second sentence is correct
• C. The second sentence is correct
• D. Both sentences are correct
• A. The first sentence is correct
• B. The second sentence is correct
• C. Both sentences are correct
• D. Both sentences are wrong.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

In English grammar, particularly with verbs of perception and cognitive processes like "imagine," there is guidance on how gerund and participle forms work with pronouns.
1. "Can you imagine his forgetting his own birthday?"
This construction uses a possessive form ("his") with a gerund ("forgetting"). Although grammatically possible, this form is less common and can feel awkward in modern usage.
2. "Can you imagine him forgetting his own birthday?"
This sentence uses the objective form ("him") with a gerund ("forgetting"). This construction is widely preferred in contemporary English.
Considering the options provided, the second sentence aligns better with standard modern English usage. Therefore, the correct answer is:
The second sentence is correct.

Answer 2

In analyzing both sentences, it's crucial to focus on proper word order and placement of modifiers to ensure clarity. Here are the evaluations:

1. "Recently I read about a unique wedding that took place in the newspaper."

This sentence implies that the wedding took place in the newspaper, which is illogical. The intended meaning is likely that the wedding was reported in the newspaper.

2. "Recently I read in the newspaper about a unique wedding that took place."

This sentence correctly clarifies that the person read about the wedding in the newspaper, but it could still be refined for clarity and flow.

Therefore, neither sentence is flawless in conveying the intended meaning without potential confusion.
The most grammatically correct and clear version would place "in the newspaper" closer to "read":
    "Recently, I read in the newspaper about a unique wedding that took place."

Thus, the correct option is:
Both sentences are wrong.