Table of Contents
Possessive pronouns are important in English because they show who owns something without repeating words. Words like my, your, his, her, its, our, and their tell us who something belongs to. For example, instead of saying the book of John, we say his book. This makes sentences shorter and easier to understand.
In this article, we’ll explain how to use possessive pronouns correctly, with examples and common mistakes to avoid. By the end, you’ll clearly understand how to use these words in everyday speech!
What is a Possessive Pronoun?
A possessive pronoun shows ownership and replaces a noun to avoid repetition. It stands alone and can represent a full noun phrase.
Example Sentences:
My book is on the table.
Your phone is ringing.
Her cat is cute.
His jacket is blue.
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
1. Choose the Correct Possessive Pronoun
Possessive pronouns replace nouns to show ownership, making sentences shorter and clearer. Use the appropriate 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)
2. 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 first.
3. Use the Pronoun in a Sentence
Possessive pronouns can either replace a noun or modify a noun.
- Before a noun: This is my car. (my modifies car)
- Alone: This car is mine. (mine replaces the noun*)
4. 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.
5. Avoid Common Mistakes
- No Apostrophes: Possessive pronouns do not use apostrophes (e.g., its means “belonging to it,” while it’s means “it is”).
- Do Not Confuse: Avoid mixing possessive pronouns with contractions. Example: It’s raining (it is) vs. Its color is blue (belonging to it).
Possessive Pronouns vs. Possessive Adjectives
| Feature | Possessive Pronouns | Possessive Adjectives |
|---|---|---|
| Function | Replace nouns to show ownership | Modify nouns to indicate ownership |
| Usage | Stand alone, do not modify a noun | Always come before a noun |
| Example Words | mine, yours, his, hers, its, ours, theirs | my, your, his, her, its, our, their |
| Example Sentence | This book is mine. | This is my book. |
| Explanation | mine replaces my book | my modifies the noun book |
Rules for Using Possessive Pronouns
1. Possessive Pronouns Do Not Use Apostrophes
Unlike possessive nouns (e.g., John’s book), possessive pronouns are already in their possessive form and do not need apostrophes.
✗ This book is mine’s.
✓ This book is mine.
2. Possessive Pronouns Stand Alone
Possessive pronouns replace a noun rather than modify it. They can stand alone in a sentence.
✓ The red car is theirs. (Means the car belongs to them.)
3. Match the Subject Correctly
The possessive pronoun should match the owner in number (singular/plural) and gender when applicable.
- Use his for males and hers for females.
- Ours and theirs refer to plural ownership.
4. Use Possessive Pronouns to Avoid Repetition
Possessive pronouns make sentences clearer by avoiding repetition.
✗ The cat belongs to Jane.
✓ The cat is hers.
5. Learn Common Possessive Pronouns
Familiarize yourself with possessive pronouns for correct usage:
- Singular: mine, yours, his, hers, its
- Plural: ours, yours, theirs
Common Mistakes with Possessive Pronouns
1. Confusing Possessive Pronouns with Contractions
Possessive pronouns are often confused with contractions, especially its vs. it’s and your vs. you’re.
It’s vs. Its
- It’s = it is or it has (contraction).
- Its = shows possession.
✗ The cat lost it’s collar.
✓ The cat lost its collar.
Your vs. You’re
- You’re = you are (contraction).
- Your = shows possession.
✗ Your going to be late.
✓ You’re going to be late.
2. Incorrect Use of Apostrophes in Possessive Pronouns
Possessive pronouns do not need apostrophes. Many people mistakenly add them.
✗ The book is your’s.
✓ The book is yours.
3. Mixing Up Possessive Pronouns and Possessive Adjectives
Possessive adjectives modify nouns, while possessive pronouns stand alone.
✗ This book is my. (Should be possessive pronoun mine)
✓ This book is mine.
✗ That’s my book. (Correct usage of possessive adjective my before the noun book.)
✓ That’s my book.
4. Using the Wrong Form for Subjects and Objects
Possessive pronouns function as subjects or objects, but using the wrong form can cause confusion.
✗ Me dog is barking.
✓ My dog is barking.
✗ That car is her’s.
✓ That car is hers.
5. Using “Their” for Singular Possessive
In modern usage, they/their can be singular for someone whose gender is unspecified. However, the singular and plural forms should remain consistent.
✗ They forgot their umbrella at home, and now he is soaked.
✓ They forgot their umbrella at home, and now they are soaked.
FAQs on Possessive Pronouns
1. What is a possessive pronoun?
A possessive pronoun replaces a noun to show ownership (e.g., mine, yours, his, hers, its, ours, theirs).
2. What is the difference between its and it’s?
“Its” shows possession, while “it’s” is a contraction for “it is” or “it has”.
3. Can possessive pronouns have apostrophes?
No, possessive pronouns (e.g., yours, hers, theirs) never use apostrophes.
4. How do possessive pronouns differ from possessive adjectives?
Possessive pronouns stand alone (e.g., This book is mine), while possessive adjectives modify nouns (e.g., This is my book).
5. Can “their” be used as a singular possessive pronoun?
Yes, “their” can refer to a singular person when gender is unknown (e.g., Someone left their bag).
You May Also Like
Leave a Comment