Hello peoples. This is my first post so, nice to meet you. I'm curious about a problem I've had once or twice in the past and I have it now. The sentence I have is "I can only administer her her last rights". Is it okay to write the sentence like this? Having 2 hers next to each other does read strangely, but it's a character's dialogue and is how it would be said realistically. It just looks kinda strange. Thanks
Welcome! Rites, not rights - two different words. What about: "I can only administer her the last rites." Or replace the first her with the character's name: "I can only administer Janine her last rites." I think the proper term for them is 'the last rites' so the first sentence might work better, I'm sure someone on the forum will know for definite.
Actually, I would not say both hers were this statement to be made by me in real life speaking. I would say, "I can only administer her last rites." The first her is an object pronoun that's really not needed. ETA: And welcome to the forum.
"Rites" of course. Well cutecat, her name isn't known yet, and as for saying "Administer her the last rites", that a slightly different sentence. I want her last rites to be hers. As in rites that are for the purpose of absolving her sins. After looking at wiki, it does seem it's known as "The last rights", so I may have to anyway. Wreybies. I did consider that option. The priest is hardly going to administer her last rights to someone else Thanks people
When I Google "last rites" and click the first Wikipedia link I get a web page about "the last prayers and ministrations given to many Catholics..." When I Google "last rights" and click the first Wikipedia link I get a page about an album by a band named Skinny Puppy. I'm pretty sure you mean "last rites". Edited to add: To generalize the question, it would be grammatically correct to say, for example, "I can give her her purse." But it would be awkward, so I'd try to find another way to put it.
Yeah, this advice goes across the board. Always be willing to rework an awkward sentence, even if it's grammatically correct. There are many MANY ways to express a particular thought or describe a particular action. Play around with your words till they flow as smoothly as possible. Don't get stuck on your first choice.
