Possessive Pronouns: Definition, Rules and Examples

 

What are Possessive Pronouns?

Possessive pronouns are words used to indicate ownership or possession. They replace nouns and show who something belongs to. The possessive pronouns are my, your, his, her, its, our, and their. They help clarify relationships between people and objects.

My book is on the table.

Is this your pen?

His car is parked outside.

Her dress is blue.

Definition: Possessive pronouns are words that indicate ownership or possession and replace nouns in a sentence. They show to whom or what something belongs, providing a clear connection between the owner and the object.

How to Use Possessive Pronouns in Sentences:

A noun typically becomes possessive by adding an apostrophe and an ‘s’ at the end. Similarly, pronouns show possession differently, without using an apostrophe or ‘s’. Some pronouns specifically indicate ownership for people, animals, or objects.

For the personal pronoun I, the possessive pronoun is mine. Instead of saying I own that blue car, you can say that blue car is mine.

For the personal pronoun we, the possessive pronoun is ours. Instead of saying the project that won the first prize belongs to us, you can say the project that won the first prize was ours.

For he, the possessive pronoun is his. Instead of saying it is Kim’s pet cat, you can say it is his pet cat.

For she, the possessive pronoun is hers. Instead of saying the flowers Vanessa brought were better than the flowers Sheena brought, you can say the flowers Vanessa brought were better than hers.

For you, the possessive pronoun is yours. Instead of saying do you think my handwriting is better than your handwriting, you can say do you think my handwriting is better than yours.

For they, the possessive pronoun is theirs. If something belongs to a group of people, you use theirs. Instead of saying the musical performance of the second group was more innovative than the fourth group, you can say the musical performance of the second group was more innovative than theirs.

Possessive Pronouns Examples Sentences:

This book is mine.

Is that car yours?

The dog wagged its tail happily.

The house on the corner is ours.

I can't find his keys anywhere.

Her idea was better than ours.

This pencil is hers.

The neighbors said their garden looks great.

That cat over there is theirs.

I borrowed your pen by mistake.

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Possessive Pronouns: Meaning, Definition, Rules and Examples