Possessive Pronouns with Examples In English

Possessive pronouns are essential in English because they help us express ownership without repeating nouns. Words like my, your, his, her, its, our, and their indicate to whom something belongs. For instance, instead of saying the book of John, we say his book.

This makes our sentences clearer and more concise. In this article, we’ll discuss using possessive pronouns correctly, along with examples and common mistakes to avoid. By the end, you’ll have a solid understanding of how to use these important words in everyday conversation!

List of Possessive Pronouns

Here are the possessive pronouns in English:

• mine
• yours
• his
• hers
• its
• ours
• theirs
• whose
• my own
• your own
• our own
• their own
• his own
• her own
• its own

How to Use Possessive Pronouns

Possessive pronouns replace nouns to show ownership, making sentences shorter and clearer.

Identify Ownership:

Determine what you want to express ownership of. For example, if you want to talk about a book that belongs to you, identify that object.

Choose the Correct Pronoun:

Select the appropriate possessive pronoun based on the owner:

• Mine (belonging to me)
• Yours (belonging to you)
• His (belonging to him)
• Hers (belonging to her)
• Its (belonging to it)
• Ours (belonging to us)
• Theirs (belonging to them)

Use the Pronoun in a Sentence:

Possessive pronouns can either replace a noun or follow a noun. Here are two ways to use them:

• Before a Noun: “This is my car.”

(Here, “my” modifies the noun “car.”)

• Alone: “This car is mine.”

(In this case, “mine” stands in for the noun.)

Be Mindful of Context:

Ensure that the pronoun matches the subject’s number and gender when applicable. For example, use “his” for males and “her” for females.

Avoid Common Mistakes:

• No Apostrophes: Unlike possessive nouns (e.g., “John’s”), possessive pronouns do not use apostrophes.

• Do Not Confuse: Make sure not to confuse possessive pronouns with contractions, like “it’s” (it is) versus “its” (belonging to it).

Possessive Pronouns vs. Possessive Adjectives

Possessive pronouns and possessive adjectives both express ownership, but they function differently in sentences. Here’s a clear breakdown of their differences:

Possessive Pronouns:

These words replace nouns to show ownership. They stand alone and do not modify a noun. Examples include “mine,” “yours,” “his,” “hers,” “its,” “ours,” and “theirs.”

• This book is mine.

(Here, mine replaces my book.)

Possessive Adjectives:

These words modify nouns and indicate ownership. They always come before a noun. Examples include my, your, his ,her, its, our, and their.

• This is my book.

(Here, my modifies the noun book.)

Rules for Using Possessive Pronouns

No Apostrophes:

Possessive pronouns do not require apostrophes. Unlike possessive nouns (e.g., “John’s book”), possessive pronouns are already in their possessive form.

• This book is mine,” not “mine’s.

Stand Alone:

Possessive pronouns can stand alone in a sentence. They replace the noun rather than modify it.

• The red car is theirs,” meaning the car belongs to them.

Match the Subject:

Ensure that the possessive pronoun matches the owner in terms of number (singular or plural) and gender when applicable.

• Use “his” for males and “her” for females.

Use in Context:

Possessive pronouns should be used in contexts where ownership needs to be expressed clearly. They are useful in avoiding repetition.

• Example: Instead of saying “The cat belongs to Jane,” you can say, “The cat is hers.”

Common Possessive Pronouns:

Familiarize yourself with the common possessive pronouns to use them correctly:

• Singular: mine, yours, his, hers, its
• Plural: ours, theirs

Avoid Confusion with Contractions:

Don’t confuse possessive pronouns with contractions. For instance, “it’s” means “it is,” while “its” indicates possession.

• The dog wagged its tail” (not “it’s tail).

Position in Sentences:

Possessive pronouns can appear at the end of sentences or phrases, or after a verb.

• The laptop is mine,” or “This book is yours.

Common Mistakes

Confusing Possessive Pronouns with Contractions:

Possessive pronouns are often confused with contractions, especially its and it’s, or your and you’re.

It’s vs. its:

• It’s means it is or it has (contraction).
• Its shows possession.

• Incorrect: The cat lost it’s collar.
• Correct: The cat lost its collar.

Your vs. You’re:

• You’re means you are (contraction).
• Your shows possession.

• Incorrect: Your going to be late.
• Correct: You’re going to be late.

Tip: If you can replace the word with “you are” and it works, use you’re. If it shows ownership, use your.

Using Apostrophes with Possessive Pronouns:

Possessive pronouns do not need apostrophes, but many people mistakenly add them.

• Incorrect: The book is your’s.
• Correct: The book is yours.

Tip: Avoid using an apostrophe with possessive pronouns like his, hers, yours, ours, theirs.

Confusing Possessive Pronouns and Possessive Adjectives:

Possessive pronouns and possessive adjectives are often confused. Possessive adjectives modify nouns, while possessive pronouns stand alone.

• Incorrect: This book is my. (should be possessive pronoun mine)
• Correct: This book is mine.

• Incorrect: That’s my book.
• Correct: That’s my book. (I am correctly used as a possessive adjective before the noun “book”.)

Using the Wrong Form for Subjects and Objects:

Possessive pronouns can function as the subject or object of a sentence, but using the wrong form can cause confusion.

• Incorrect: Me dog is barking.
• Correct: My dog is barking.

• Incorrect: That car is her’s.
• Correct: That car is hers.

Using “Their” for Singular Possessive:

In modern usage, they/their can be singular when referring to someone whose gender is unspecified. However, some confusion arises when people mix up singular and plural forms.

• Incorrect: They forgot their umbrella at home, and now he is soaked.
• Correct: They forgot their umbrella at home, and now they are soaked.

Tip: Consistently use either singular or plural pronouns. “They” and “their” should match in number with the subject.

You May Also Like

• Understand Intensive Pronouns
• Indefinite Pronouns
• Adverb of Place
• Phrasal Verbs in English