English Possessive Adjectives & Pronouns

A possessive pronoun replaces a possessive adjective plus its noun, so you avoid repeating something already known. It stands alone, with no noun after it.

• Are these your shoes? No, those aren't mine.
• This is our notebook. Where's yours?
• Your car is there. This one is mine.

Three things to note. First, most pronouns simply add -s to the adjective, but the first person is different: my becomes mine, not "mys." Second, its has no pronoun form: we don't say "that toy is its." Third, possessive pronouns never take an apostrophe: it is hers, not "her's," and theirs, not "their's."

his: adjective or pronoun?

The masculine his is the one form that is identical as both an adjective and a pronoun. Context and the presence of a noun tell you which it is:

• His name is John. → adjective (it sits before the noun "name").
• My jacket is blue, his is green. → pronoun (it replaces "his jacket").

Sentences with possessive adjectives

1. My brother told me about your unfortunate encounter yesterday.
2. I saw her boyfriend with another girl!
3. Our dream is to get married in London.
4. Wow, your mobile screen is better than my TV!
5. I think his jacket is a little bit tight.
6. This is my dog. Her name is Polly.
7. For your information, I decided to go.

Sentences with possessive pronouns

1. Your car is there. This one is mine.
2. His house is very big. Yours is smaller, but still comfortable.
3. I was with my boyfriend, Lucy with hers.
4. Don't forget the money! Yours is on the sofa.
5. Everyone has a goal. His is to become an actor.

Exercise: choose the adjective or the pronoun

1. I think ___ jacket is better than ___. (my / yours)
2. For ___ information, I opened a little bar near the station. (your)
3. Don't forget ___ scarf! You can give it to her when you see her tomorrow. (her)
4. If those are ___ pencils, these ones must be ___. (their / ours)
5. In ___ case, everything has been done. (my)
6. ___ classroom is larger than ___. (our / yours)