possessive pronoun

(noun)

A word that shows ownership. 

Related Terms

Examples of possessive pronoun in the following topics:

  • Pronouns as Subjects and Objects

    • Possessive pronouns show ownership in relation to the pronoun.
    • Possessive pronouns are mine, yours, his, hers, it, ours, yours, and theirs.
    • Possessive adjectives show ownership.
    • Possessive adjectives are my, your, his, her, its, our, and their.
    • For example, when paired with the noun school in a sentence, his becomes a possessive adjective.

  • Introduction to Pronouns

    • The second-person pronoun is "you," and the third-person pronouns are "he," "she," "it."
    • Possessive pronouns show ownership in relation to the pronoun.
    • Possessive pronouns are "my," "your," "his," "hers," "its," "ours," "your," and "their."
    • The main relative pronouns dealing with people are "who" (used to relate to people or creatures as subjects), "whom" (used to relate to people or creatures as subjects), and "whose" (used to relate to a possession of a person or creature).
    • The main forms are "who/whom" (for people and beings), "whose" (for possessive pronouns), "what" (to introduce general questions), and "which" (for identification and comparison):

  • Adjectives

    • Adjectives describe, quantify, or identify pronouns and nouns.
    • add detail about the qualities of the noun or pronoun being described.
    • specify the amount of whatever noun or pronoun you are modifying.
    • Sometimes, pronouns can be used as adjectives.
    • In addition to demonstrative pronouns, possessive pronouns like "his" or "their" can also identify specific objects within a set.

  • Apostrophes

    • Apostrophes can be used to show who owns or possesses something.
    • If, however, two individuals possess two separate things, add the apostrophe to both nouns.
    • The fixed, non-possessive forms of McDonald's and Standard & Poor's already include possessive apostrophes.
    • Possessive pronouns such as its, whose, his, hers, ours, yours, and theirs.
    • These are the only words that are able to be possessive without apostrophes.

  • Declining Pronouns: Subjects and Objects

  • Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement

    • [The pronoun she refers to the antecedent Carolina.]
    • [The pronoun he refers to the antecedent Jim.]
    • [The pronoun their refers to the antecedent twins.]
    • The pronoun he refers to the antecedent Scott.]
    • [The pronoun he refers to the antecedent Franklin.]

  • Introduction to Adjectives and Adverbs

    • Adjectives modify nouns and pronouns; adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs.
    • Adjectives describe, quantify, or identify pronouns and nouns.
    • Pronouns, such as I, me, we, he, she, it, you, and they, take the place of nouns.
    • offer descriptive details about the noun or pronoun.
    • refer to quantity of the noun or pronoun being described by the adjective.

  • Gender-Neutral Language

    • Gender-neutral language is neither masculine nor feminine and avoids using gender specific pronouns such as "he" or "she." 
    • Using gender-neutral pronouns avoids presumptions of male superiority.
    • When possible and contextually appropriate, use nouns and pronouns that are gender-neutral rather than gender-specific.
    • When referring to people in general, use plural pronouns "s/he" or "he or she" instead of gender-linked pronouns.
    • When a singular pronoun is needed, use the "singular they" with a singular antecedent.

  • Possessive

  • Possessive