Hello, I am a little confused about the modifying function of (‘s) here.
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Why not fulfill the university’s millennium-old mission by sharing ideas freely?
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In this sentence, UNIVERSITY’S modifies MISSION, but actually a noun can also modify another noun, such as (BIRD nest), so why don’t we use UNIVERSITY millennium-old mission here?

Thanks:)

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sydneyebrice

7 Oct 2022

Featured answer

English (UK)

@24persecond It's a possessive structure, it is the same as saying "the millennium-old mission of the university". The apostrophe s indicates possession, it is not a noun modifying the noun.

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sydneyebrice

7 Oct 2022

English (UK)

@24persecond It's a possessive structure, it is the same as saying "the millennium-old mission of the university". The apostrophe s indicates possession, it is not a noun modifying the noun.

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24persecond

8 Oct 2022

Simplified Chinese (China)

@sydneyebrice Thanks so much!!! Could you help me explain a little more about why we cannot say “the university millennium-old mission” here?
I totally understand we usually say ‘the girl’s hat’, but we also say ‘a table leg’ without ‘s. Therefore, I am a little confused here.

sydneyebrice

8 Oct 2022

English (UK)

@24persecond You could say that, it is ok and understandable. But your original sentence used the apostrophe s structure, which was commented on. So both can be used, as different grammatical structures. Although I think the possessive structure would be more commonly used.

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24persecond

9 Oct 2022

Simplified Chinese (China)

@sydneyebrice Thanks so much! This has really confused me for quite a long time! :) I think it’s better now with your patient explanation and kind help!!! Thanks again!!!