What is the difference between possessive pronouns and possessive adjectives?
Possessive pronouns in English grammar show who owns something. They help you avoid repeating nouns and write clear, concise sentences. You use them daily—for school assignments, exams, emails, and spoken English. Understanding their correct use builds confidence in both formal and informal settings.
| Person | Possessive Adjective | Possessive Pronoun | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st (Singular) | my | mine | This bag is mine. |
| 2nd (Singular/Plural) | your | yours | Is this notebook yours? |
| 3rd (Singular Male) | his | his | The book on the desk is his. |
| 3rd (Singular Female) | her | hers | The umbrella is hers. |
| 3rd (Singular Neutral) | its | its* | The dog wagged its tail. (*"its" is rarely used as a pronoun) |
| 1st (Plural) | our | ours | The victory is ours. |
| 3rd (Plural) | their | theirs | The seats by the window are theirs. |
What Are Possessive Pronouns?
Possessive pronouns are special words that replace nouns to show ownership. Instead of repeating a noun, you use a possessive pronoun. For example, say “This pencil is mine” instead of “This pencil is my pencil.” This makes English writing and speaking easier and clearer.
List of Possessive Pronouns in English
- mine
- yours
- his
- hers
- ours
- theirs
- its (rare in modern English)
Possessive Pronoun Examples in Sentences
- This water bottle is mine.
- Are those shoes yours?
- The decision was ours.
- The red car is theirs.
- This homework is his.
- The story is hers.
- Its purpose is unclear. (rare as pronoun)
Difference Between Possessive Pronouns and Possessive Adjectives
| Aspect | Possessive Adjective | Possessive Pronoun |
|---|---|---|
| Usage | Before a noun e.g., my book |
Replaces the noun e.g., The book is mine. |
| Function | Describes whose noun | Shows ownership directly |
| Examples | my, your, his, her, its, our, their | mine, yours, his, hers, its, ours, theirs |
Possessive adjectives always need a noun after them (e.g., “her bag”). Possessive pronouns never need a noun after them (e.g., “This bag is hers”).
How to Use Possessive Pronouns Correctly
- Replace a noun already mentioned to avoid repetition.
- Match the pronoun with the owner’s number and gender.
- Never use an apostrophe (e.g., “yours” not “your’s”).
- Use them after linking verbs (e.g., am, is, are).
Practice brings confidence. For exam prep, remember to spot when you must use "mine" instead of “my”.
Common Mistakes and Tips
- “It’s” is a contraction for “it is” or “it has.” Only “its” (no apostrophe) shows possession.
- “Hers,” “yours,” “ours,” and “theirs” never take an apostrophe.
- Do not use possessive pronouns with nouns (avoid “hers book”).
- “Its” as a pronoun is very rare—usually use “its” as an adjective.
Practice: Fill in the Blanks
- Whose pen is this? It is _____ (mine/yours/hers).
- These books belong to us. They are _____ (ours/theirs).
- The cat chased _____ tail. (its/it's)
- Is this seat _____ (yours/theirs)?
- That notebook is _____ (mine/hers).
Summary
Possessive pronouns such as “mine,” “yours,” “his,” “hers,” “ours,” and “theirs” help show who owns something and make speech and writing clearer. Use them instead of repeating nouns, especially after verbs or in comparisons. With practice, you will avoid mistakes and build confidence for exams, classroom discussions, and daily English.
Want to review other types of pronouns? See our detailed notes on Reciprocal Pronouns and Personal Pronouns for more comparatives and practice.
FAQs on Possessive Pronouns: Definition, List & Easy Examples
1. What are possessive pronouns?
Possessive pronouns show ownership or possession. They replace nouns and possessive adjectives, making sentences more concise and avoiding repetition. Key examples include mine, yours, his, hers, its, ours, and theirs.
2. What is the difference between possessive pronouns and possessive adjectives?
Possessive adjectives (my, your, his, her, its, our, their) come *before* a noun (e.g., "my book"). Possessive pronouns (mine, yours, his, hers, its, ours, theirs) stand *alone* and replace the noun phrase (e.g., "The book is mine").
3. What are the possessive pronouns in English and their corresponding possessive adjectives?
Here's a table summarizing possessive pronouns and their related adjectives:
| Person | Possessive Adjective | Possessive Pronoun |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Person Singular | my | mine |
| 2nd Person Singular/Plural | your | yours |
| 3rd Person Singular Masculine | his | his |
| 3rd Person Singular Feminine | her | hers |
| 3rd Person Singular Neuter | its | its |
| 1st Person Plural | our | ours |
| 3rd Person Plural | their | theirs |
4. How do I use possessive pronouns correctly in sentences?
Use possessive pronouns to replace a noun phrase showing possession. Ensure they agree in number (singular/plural) with the noun they replace. For example: "That car is hers." "The toys are ours."
5. What's the difference between "its" and "it's"?
Its shows possession (e.g., "The dog wagged its tail"). It's is a contraction of "it is" or "it has" (e.g., "It's raining").
6. Can possessive pronouns be plural?
Yes, some possessive pronouns have plural forms. For example, "ours" and "theirs" are plural forms.
7. Give five examples of sentences using possessive pronouns.
Here are five examples:
- That red bicycle is mine.
- Is this book yours?
- The house on the hill is theirs.
- The cat cleaned its paws.
- The victory was ours!
8. Are there any common mistakes to avoid when using possessive pronouns?
Common mistakes include confusing possessive pronouns with possessive adjectives, and misusing "its" and "it's". Always double-check for correct agreement in number and gender.
9. Can possessive pronouns be used in questions?
Yes, possessive pronouns can be used in questions. For example: "Is that bag yours?" "Whose book is this?"
10. How are possessive pronouns different in other languages?
Possessive pronouns vary significantly across languages. For example, the forms and usage can be quite different in Spanish, French, or German compared to English. Some languages even have more complex systems of possessive forms.
11. What are some tips for remembering possessive pronouns?
Create flashcards or use mnemonic devices. Practice regularly by writing sentences with possessive pronouns. Focus on differentiating possessive pronouns from possessive adjectives to reduce confusion.
12. Is 'one's' a possessive pronoun?
No, "one's" is a possessive adjective, not a pronoun. It functions similarly to 'my', 'your', etc., always preceding a noun.
