Grammar people!

[demeter918]

Once again, I come to you for help!

I'm a big fan of you.

I'm your big fan.

I'm your biggest fan.

I'm a big fan of yours.

Okay. Here's the problem. This is for a test but the thing is that the textbook itself teaches that I'm a big fan of you. is the correct form. I can't be sure though. Grammar's never been my strongest point but it just sounds wrong which is not something I can say without some proof. Help would be much appreciated since I'm now all turned-around. Of the four, the last two sound the most correct to me...

Comments

[theladyfeylene.livejournal.com]

Hmmm. Yeah, 'I'm a big fan of you' does sound wrong. But... I have no idea if it is or not.

[trixie-chick.livejournal.com]

hmmm. it would never be said in an english speaking country; one of those instant identifiers of english as a second language. let's see...

i'm a big fan of tennis. => correct
i'm a big fan of J.K. Rowling. => *ponders this*

upon some reflection, i think this is correct, but... it would imply that you are a big fan of everything about that person. now, in the case of celebrity, perhaps it is understood that what you mean is, you are a big fan of their work (and that's a more precise way to phrase it, too.) to say to a person, i'm a big fan of you... perhaps it's not so much grammar as connotation? that comes off as stalkerish. whereas, the "i'm a big fan of yours" would also, i think, imply your work, ie, it should read, i'm a big fan of your work.

i think i'm just confusing myself, tho. =p

i'm amused by "i'm your big fan," though, since that means that you are the LARGE (in dimensions) fan. ^_^ at least the big fan is easy to spot in crowds?

[reynardine.livejournal.com]

Well, put this in terms of a belonging, one of many, say a sock.

"Is this sock one of you?" WRONG Because you're not a sock, or part of a tribe of socks. The sock is your belonging.

"Is this sock one of yours?" RIGHT

Ergo, you are one of many fans of a person, therefore, "I'm a big fan of yours." "I'm your biggest fan." is also correct.

Now you can use "one of you" as being a member of a group, as in "Now, I'm one of you." Although I can't say that's used very much, because usually the group extends that sentiment--"Now, you're one of us."

But in this context, even if you are talking about being the fan of a group, say, a band, the band is a singular entity. The fan is one of many fans who belong to the band.

"I'm your big fan" is technically correct, but that isn't how we actually use the phrase. Rather, if you're a big fan, but you don't consider the artist the best thing since sliced bread, you say "I'm A big fan." (Of yours is understood, since you're talking/writing to the person.)

[cheloya.livejournal.com]

I like the last two best; I'm a big fan of you sounds like something you'd see in a fansub. It gets the point across, but lacks finesse. Without going all the way to biggest fan, I'd be hitting the last one. *smooch*

[umadoshi.livejournal.com]

The last two are both ok, although #3 is certainly a stronger statement, so they're not synonymous. Your textbook is on crack. *nods*