Possessive+gerund structure

Question

Consider the sentences below pleaseSome people from older generations can't get used to computers' existingSome people from older generations can't get used to the fact that computers existCould you please tell me whether they both are correct and whether there is difference in meaning between them? Thanks in advance.

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

DerevenshinaSome people from older generations can't get used to the fact that computers exist.

Perfect (with the period at the end).

DerevenshinaSome people from older generations can't get used to computers' existing.

This is theoretically correct grammatically, but it's not a natural way to say it when you want the same meaning as in your first sentence.

When we can use a noun (like existence), we don't often use the -ing form of a verb instead (like existing). It's much more likely that, instead of the "possessive + gerund construction", you'll hear this:

Some people from older generations can't get used to the existence of computers.

CJ

Possessive+gerund structure

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