Their" or "their"? Linguist explains how Ukrainians misuse these pronouns

According to glavcom.ua: Linguist Olga Vasilieva explained when to use the pronouns 'their' and 'their'. This topic is discussed in the column of 'Glavkom' called 'Language Question'.

"Isn't it true that each of us knows the difference between personal and possessive pronouns since school: the personal answers the question 'whom? what?', while the possessive answers the question 'whose?'. Nevertheless, using the pronoun 'their' instead of 'their' can lead to misunderstandings", - the linguist reported.

For example, at the cash desks of 'Oschadbank' it is stated: 'Bank employees and their relatives are not served at the cash desks'. Vasilieva explained that it would be correct to say 'their relatives' (because of 'whose?'). According to her, similar mistakes are also present in legislative documents. For example, it should say 'their families'.

A different situation arises when the word answers the questions 'what? whom?' and is used not as a possessive but as a personal pronoun. For example: 'Problems and methods of their elimination'. It would be correct to say 'their elimination'.

Correct usage of the expression 'passed away'

Philologist Olga Vasilieva also explained whether the use of the expression 'passed away' in connection with a person's death corresponds to reality. She noted that this phrase is an euphemism that is used in a formal style of speech, especially regarding prominent individuals. In particular, one can say: 'The great football player passed away'.

The article discusses important moments of the correct usage of the pronouns 'their' and 'their' and explains why the expression 'passed away' is an euphemism, especially in cases involving specific individuals.