Possessive pronouns are pronouns that show ownership or possession. The most common examples are mine, yours, his, hers, theirs, and ours.
Possessive pronouns can be used in place of a noun to show ownership, or they can be used as determiners to specify which item belongs to whom.
Understanding how to use possessive pronouns correctly can help you avoid common grammar mistakes and make your writing clearer and more concise.
In this article, you’ll learn:
- What possessive pronouns are
- How to use them correctly
- The difference between possessive pronouns and determiners
- Common mistakes to avoid
What Are Possessive Pronouns?
Possessive pronouns are pronouns that show ownership or possession. They can be used in place of a noun to show ownership, or they can be used as determiners to specify which item belongs to whom.
The most common possessive pronouns are:
- Mine
- Yours
- His
- Hers
- Theirs
- Ours
For example:
- That book is mine. (Possessive pronoun)
- My book is on the table. (Possessive determiner)
How to Use Possessive Pronouns
Possessive pronouns can be used in a variety of ways to show ownership or possession. Here are some examples:
Using Possessive Pronouns in Place of a Noun
Possessive pronouns can be used in place of a noun to show ownership. For example:
- That car is mine.
- The house on the corner is theirs.
- The cat with the white fur is ours.
Using Possessive Pronouns as Determiners
Possessive pronouns can also be used as determiners to specify which item belongs to whom. For example:
- My car is parked in the driveway.
- Your book is on the table.
- His dog is barking outside.
Possessive Pronouns vs. Determiners
It’s important to note the difference between possessive pronouns and possessive determiners. Possessive pronouns can stand alone and replace a noun, while possessive determiners must be used with a noun.
For example:
- That book is mine. (Possessive pronoun)
- My book is on the table. (Possessive determiner)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake people make when using possessive pronouns is using an apostrophe to show possession. Unlike nouns, possessive pronouns do not require an apostrophe to show ownership.
For example:
- Incorrect: That book is her’s.
- Correct: That book is hers.
Conclusion
Possessive pronouns are an important part of English grammar. By understanding how to use them correctly, you can make your writing clearer and more concise. Remember to use possessive pronouns in place of a noun to show ownership, and use possessive determiners to specify which item belongs to whom.