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Tag: understanding possessive adjectives in grammar
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Possessive Adjectives in English: Grammar Rules, Usage & Examples
Possessive Adjectives in English
Possessive adjectives are essential in English grammar as they help us indicate ownership or possession. They modify nouns to show who something belongs to and are widely used in everyday communication. In this blog post, we will explore possessive adjectives, their usage, examples, and exercises to help you master them.
What Are Possessive Adjectives?
Possessive adjectives are words that show ownership or belonging. They always come before a noun and modify it to indicate possession. The most common possessive adjectives in English are:
- my
- your
- his
- her
- its
- our
- their
These adjectives replace the need for a noun to show possession explicitly.
Usage of Possessive Adjectives
Possessive adjectives are used in various situations:
- Indicating Ownership – Used to show that something belongs to someone.
Example: This is my book. - Talking About Relationships – Used to describe family members, friends, or connections.
Example: His brother is a doctor. - Describing Body Parts – Used instead of definite articles (e.g., the).
Example: She injured her leg. - Referring to Pets and Objects – Used to show ownership of pets or things.
Example: The dog is wagging its tail. - Indicating Group Ownership – Used for plural subjects.
Example: This is our house. - Addressing Someone Formally and Informally – “Your” can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
Example: Your car is parked outside. - Expressing Feelings or Thoughts – Used to describe personal emotions, beliefs, or opinions.
Example: My opinion is different from yours. - Talking About Time and Events – Used when referring to specific times or occasions.
Example: We enjoyed our holiday. - Indicating Professional Roles or Responsibilities – Used for job positions or tasks.
Example: Her manager is very supportive. - Possession in Abstract Concepts – Used for things like names, ideas, or dreams.
Example: His idea was brilliant.
List of Possessive Adjectives with Example Sentences
Possessive Adjective Beginner Level Example Intermediate Level Example My This is my pen. My thoughts are clear now. Your Is this your book? I respect your decision. His His bike is red. I don’t understand his logic. Her Her dress is beautiful. Her dedication to work is impressive. Its The dog wagged its tail. The company changed its policy. Our Our school is big. We must protect our environment. Their Their house is near the park. Their success is well-deserved. More Example Sentences
- She forgot her keys at home.
- This is my favorite song.
- I love your cooking.
- He took his jacket and left.
- The cat licked its paws.
- We had a great time at our wedding.
- They visited their grandparents last summer.
- Please submit your assignments on time.
- He is proud of his achievements.
- The dog followed its owner.
Fill in the Blanks
- Is this ___ book? (your/my)
- He forgot ___ phone at home. (his/its)
- We love spending time with ___ family. (our/their)
- She borrowed ___ pen to write a note. (his/her)
- The cat licked ___ fur after the bath. (its/her)
- They celebrated ___ anniversary last night. (their/our)
- I don’t understand ___ reasoning. (his/your)
- We went to ___ favorite restaurant. (my/our)
- The teacher praised ___ students. (her/his)
- You should respect ___ elders. (their/your)
Answers
- your
- his
- our
- her
- its
- their
- his
- our
- her
- your
Things to Keep in Mind
- Possessive adjectives must be followed by a noun. (e.g., My car is new. NOT My is new.)
- “Its” is not the same as “it’s.” (“Its” shows possession, while “it’s” is a contraction of “it is.”)
- Possessive adjectives do not change based on gender except “his” and “her.”
- Unlike possessive pronouns, possessive adjectives always require a noun. (e.g., This is my book. vs. This book is mine.)
- Possessive adjectives agree with the possessor, not the thing possessed. (e.g., His sister (not Her sister) when referring to a boy’s sister.)
Conclusion
Possessive adjectives play a crucial role in English grammar by indicating ownership and relationships. They are commonly used in everyday communication and are easy to learn with practice. By understanding their usage and applying them in sentences, you can improve your English fluency significantly. Keep practicing with the examples and exercises provided, and soon, possessive adjectives will become second nature to you!
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