of-construction

[hela]

Hello,

 

Would you please tell me if the following sentence construction is correct, and how it should be analysed?

 

Tom is not aware of the difficulties of her situation.

 

It is not a form of genitive, so what is it?

 

Thank you for your help.

Hela

[Jean B]

Hello,

You're right to believe it's not a genitive form. I think it's just a use of the preposition "of ", meaning " linked to/in relation with " her situation.

[hela]

But isn't there a "genitive of relationship" expressing just that, or is it only used for living/animate creatures and not for objects or concepts?

Best regards

[Jean B]

Sorry not to be able to help further.

Yet, you may find useful explanations here:

http://alt-usage-english.org/genitive_and_possessive.html

http://grammar.about.com/od/fh/g/gencaseterm.htm

[hela]

Thank you, JRB.