When we want to show ownership or a relationship between people, objects, or concepts, we use possessive adjectives. These adjectives help clarify who or what owns something. In English grammar, learning possessive adjectives is essential because they are used so frequently in daily conversations. Let’s explore what possessive adjectives are, how to use them, and provide some examples to clarify their role in sentences.
What Are Possessive Adjectives?
Possessive adjectives are words used before a noun to indicate to whom or what something belongs. They modify the noun that follows them, showing possession or a relationship between the noun and the subject. The key possessive adjectives in English are:
- My
- Your
- His
- Her
- Its
- Our
- Their
Each of these adjectives corresponds to a specific pronoun, whether it be first person, second person, or third person, and can be either singular or plural.
For example:
- My book is on the table.
- Their house is across the street.
Notice that the possessive adjective comes directly before the noun it is modifying.
Possessive Adjectives Chart
Below is a simple chart of possessive adjectives based on the subject pronouns.
| Subject Pronoun | Possessive Adjective |
|---|---|
| I | My |
| You | Your |
| He | His |
| She | Her |
| It | Its |
| We | Our |
| They | Their |
Usage of Possessive Adjectives in Sentences
Let’s break down how each possessive adjective works in context:
- My: This is used when something belongs to the speaker.
- Example: My car is parked outside.
- Your: This is used when something belongs to the person you are talking to.
- Example: Your phone is ringing.
- His: Used when something belongs to a male subject.
- Example: His laptop is on the desk.
- Her: Used when something belongs to a female subject.
- Example: Her shoes are by the door.
- Its: Used for objects, animals, or things that are neither male nor female.
- Example: The dog wagged its tail.
- Our: This is used when something belongs to the speaker and others.
- Example: Our team won the match.
- Their: This is used when something belongs to a group of people.
- Example: Their project was successful.
Forms of Possessive Adjectives
Possessive adjectives have different forms depending on the gender and number of the noun they modify. Let’s explore the basic forms:
Add apostrophe and ‘s’
Possessive adjectives are usually formed by adding an apostrophe and an ‘s’ to the owner, except for “its” which is used as is. Let’s explore some examples:
- John‘s car (belonging to John)
- Mary‘s book (belonging to Mary)
- The cat‘s toy (belonging to the cat)
Singular Possessive Adjectives
- My: This is used when something belongs to the speaker. For example, “This is my book.”
- Your: When addressing someone directly or indirectly, we use “your” to indicate possession. For instance, “Is this your pencil?”
- His: When something belongs to a male, we use “his.” For example, “That is his car.”
- Her: Similar to “his,” “her” is used when something belongs to a female. For instance, “I like her dress.”
- Its: This form is used for non-living things or animals. For example, “The cat is licking its paw.”
Plural Possessive Adjectives
- Our: Used to indicate possession by a group to which the speaker belongs. For instance, “These are our seats.”
- Your: When referring to the possession of more than one person, we use “your.” For example, “Are these your keys?”
- Their: Signifying possession by more than one person or thing, “their” is used. For instance, “The children have their toys.”
Possessive Adjectives vs. Possessive Pronouns
Both possessive adjectives and possessive pronouns show ownership, but they are used differently in sentences.
Possessive Adjectives: Modify a noun and always come before it. Common examples are: my, your, his, her, its, our, their.
- Example: This is my car. (Describes the noun “car.”)
Possessive Pronouns: Replace a noun and stand alone. Common examples are: mine, yours, his, hers, its, ours, theirs.
- Example: This is mine. (Replaces the noun “car.”)
List of Possessive Adjectives
- My
- Your
- His
- Her
- Its
- Our
- Their
- Whose
- One’s
- His
- Hers
- Its
- Ours
- Theirs
- My own
- Your own
- His own
- Her own
- Its own
- Our own
- Their own
- Our team’s
- His brother’s
- The child’s
- My friend’s
- Your mother’s
- Your team’s
- The student’s
- The doctor’s
- Your sister’s
Example Sentences
- Your book is on the table.
- His car is parked outside.
- Your friends are waiting for you.
- Their house is painted blue.
- Your sister is very talented.
- Your grades have improved.
- Your shoes are untied.
- His favorite color is green.
- Its wings are colorful.
- Your idea is brilliant.
- Their children are well-behaved.
- My favorite book is on my shelf.
- Your computer is very fast.
- His sister is a great chef.
- Our school is hosting an event.
- Your dog is barking loudly.
- Their house has a big garden.
- My bike is in the garage.
- Your parents are friendly.
- Her dress is beautiful.
- Its price is reasonable.
- Our friends are coming over.
- Your car is in the driveway.
- My keys are in my bag.
- Your painting is impressive.
- His desk is organized.
- Her lunch is in the fridge.
- Our teacher is knowledgeable.
- My alarm clock woke me up.
You May Also Like:
