Definition / Explanation
Possessive pronouns show possession without repeating the noun. Common forms are mine, yours, his, hers, ours, and theirs. We use them when the thing is already clear from the context. For example, instead of saying my bag, we can say mine. This makes sentences shorter and avoids repetition.
Key Rules
- Use possessive pronouns without a noun after them.
- Compare: my bag (possessive adjective + noun) vs mine (pronoun alone).
- Common forms: mine, yours, his, hers, ours, theirs.
- Its is usually not used as a possessive pronoun on its own.
- Use them to avoid repetition: My coat is blue. Yours is black.
Examples
- This book is mine.
- Is that bag yours?
- The red car is theirs.
- Our room is small, but hers is bigger.
- These seats are ours.
Common Mistakes
- ❌ This book is my. -> ✅ This book is mine.
- ❌ Is that bag your? -> ✅ Is that bag yours?
- ❌ The red car is their. -> ✅ The red car is theirs.