Possessive Pronoun: Definition, Examples & Rules | English Grammar
Last Updated: 01 Jul, 2025
Welcome! In this lesson, you'll learn everything you need to know about Possessive Pronouns in English grammar. We'll cover what they are, how to use them, and how to avoid common mistakes. You'll also find real-life examples, a quick quiz, and pro tips to help you master this essential grammar topic.
What is a Possessive Pronoun?
Possessive Pronoun Definition: A possessive pronoun is a pronoun that shows ownership or possession. The main possessive pronouns in English are mine, yours, his, hers, its, ours, theirs.
Why are Possessive Pronouns Important? They help us indicate ownership without repeating the noun, making our sentences more concise and natural.
Function in Grammar
Possessive pronouns are used to show ownership or possession. They replace a noun and its possessive form. For example:
- This book is mine. (instead of "This book is my book")
- That car is yours. (instead of "That car is your car")
- These keys are hers. (instead of "These keys are her keys")
- Those shoes are theirs. (instead of "Those shoes are their shoes")
Possessive Pronoun vs Possessive Adjective: A possessive pronoun stands alone (e.g., This is mine.), while a possessive adjective comes before a noun (e.g., This is my book.).
Possessive Pronouns Table
| Person | Number | Possessive Pronoun | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Person | Singular | mine | This is mine. |
| 2nd Person | Singular/Plural | yours | That is yours. |
| 3rd Person | Singular (Male) | his | This is his. |
| 3rd Person | Singular (Female) | hers | That is hers. |
| 3rd Person | Singular (Neutral) | its | This is its. |
| 1st Person | Plural | ours | These are ours. |
| 3rd Person | Plural | theirs | Those are theirs. |
Possessive pronouns show ownership without needing a noun after them.
Possessive Pronoun Challenge!
Can you identify the possessive pronouns in these sentences?
- This book is mine.
- That car is hers.
- These keys are theirs.
Show Answers
- mine
- hers
- theirs
Examples of Possessive Pronouns in Sentences
- This pen is mine.
- That laptop is yours.
- This house is his.
- That bag is hers.
- This toy is its.
- These books are ours.
- Those shoes are theirs.
- The red car is mine.
- This phone is yours.
- That garden is theirs.
Notice how each possessive pronoun shows ownership without needing a noun after it.
Types of Possessive Pronouns
- First Person: mine (singular), ours (plural)
- Second Person: yours (singular/plural)
- Third Person: his, hers, its (singular), theirs (plural)
Special Rules and Notes
- Possessive pronouns never take apostrophes (correct: yours, theirs; incorrect: your's, their's).
- Possessive pronouns can be used as subjects, objects, or complements in sentences.
- "Its" as a possessive pronoun is different from "it's" (contraction of "it is").
- Possessive pronouns can refer to both people and things.
- They can be used in questions: "Is this yours?"
- Possessive pronouns can be used after prepositions: "This is for you, not for me."
Quick Quiz: Spot the Possessive Pronoun!
Which words are possessive pronouns in these sentences?
- This book is mine.
- That car is hers.
- These keys are theirs.
- That phone is yours.
- This house is ours.
Answers: mine, hers, theirs, yours, ours
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a possessive pronoun?
A possessive pronoun is a pronoun that shows ownership or possession, such as mine, yours, his, hers, its, ours, and theirs.
What is the difference between a possessive pronoun and a possessive adjective?
A possessive pronoun stands alone (e.g., This is mine.), while a possessive adjective comes before a noun (e.g., This is my book.).
Do possessive pronouns need apostrophes?
No, possessive pronouns never take apostrophes. It's "yours" not "your's", "theirs" not "their's".
What are all the possessive pronouns in English?
The possessive pronouns are: mine, yours, his, hers, its, ours, and theirs.
Can possessive pronouns be used as subjects?
Yes, possessive pronouns can be used as subjects, objects, or complements in sentences.
What is the difference between "its" and "it's"?
"Its" is a possessive pronoun meaning belonging to it, while "it's" is a contraction meaning "it is" or "it has".
How do possessive pronouns help with clarity?
Possessive pronouns help avoid repetition and make sentences clearer by showing ownership without repeating the owned noun.
Why are possessive pronouns important?
Possessive pronouns help us indicate ownership without repeating the noun, making our sentences more concise and natural.
Conclusion
Understanding possessive pronouns is key to writing and speaking English clearly and accurately. Possessive pronouns help you show ownership without repeating nouns and make your sentences more concise. Remember that they never take apostrophes and can be used in various positions in sentences. Practice identifying and using them in everything you read or write. The more you practice, the easier it gets!