In English, expressing ownership between nouns is important. To emphasize possession, the language uses a specific group of words called possessive adjectives. These adjectives play a key role in distinguishing different subjects in a sentence, helping readers or listeners identify who or what owns something.
Understanding possessive adjectives is the first step to mastering English grammar. By learning how to use and differentiate them correctly, you can express your ideas clearly and naturally in both writing and speaking.
1. What Are Possessive Adjectives?
Possessive adjectives are used to show ownership of a noun. They are placed before the noun to indicate who or what it belongs to. Common possessive adjectives in English include: my, your, his, her, its, our, your, their.
Examples:
Her mother was a brilliant scientist.
Never judge people by their appearance.
Man is the artificer of his own happiness.
**Subject Pronoun | Possessive Adjective | Example** |
|---|---|---|
I | my | This is my house. |
We | our | Most of our failures come from self-doubt. |
You | your | Do not put all your eggs in one basket. |
They | their | Bad workers blame their tools. |
He | his | Every man has his own habit. |
She | her | Her parents will visit soon. |
It | its | Every bird loves its nest. |
Structure: Possessive Adjective + Noun
2. How to Use Possessive Adjectives in English
To show something belongs to someone:
This is his sister.
My wife loves apple pie.
To refer to body parts:
Their feet are dirty.
Our legs are numb.
Based on subject pronoun, not quantity:
His cat is playful.
His cats are playful.
Replaceable by “the” in idioms or set expressions:
She was shot in the arm. (instead of “her arm”)
He took me by the hand. (instead of “his hand”)
3. Common Mistakes with Possessive Adjectives
Confusing “it’s” and “its”:
"It's" = "it is" or "it has"
"Its" = possessive adjective of "it"
Correct: It’s a dog. / The book has its own story.
Confusing “your” and “you’re”:
"Your" = possessive adjective
"You're" = "you are"
Correct: Your house is big. / You're very kind.
Confusing “there”, “they’re”, and “their”:
"There" = location or existence
"They’re" = "they are"
"Their" = possessive adjective
Correct: Their house is beautiful. / They’re excited. / The book is over there.
Avoid using “his/her” when gender is unknown:
Each owner is responsible for their pet. (preferred over "his/her")
4. Difference Between Possessive Adjectives and Possessive Pronouns
Possessive Adjectives:
Come before nouns to indicate possession
Example: Sasha feels comfortable wearing a skirt. It’s part of their style.
Possessive Pronouns:
Replace a noun to avoid repetition
Example: I have a dog. Mine is black and yours is white.
5. Exercises on Possessive Adjectives in English
Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks with the correct possessive adjective
Where is our classroom?
Susan, is that your pen on the table?
What is your name?
I think this is her book.
Their names are Kevin and Stewart.
He forgot to write his name on the test!
What is your phone number? – My phone number is 555-9826.
Did the cat eat all of its food?
The children are crying because they can’t find their toys.
Mariam and Jennifer like their new teacher.
I really like my new home, especially its location.
This is a picture of my friend. He is my best friend.
Exercise 2: Choose the correct possessive adjective
Their painting is very colorful.
Where is your mobile phone? – This is my new phone.
Can you tell me your address? – It’s 765 Market Street.
He really has a pet hedgehog. Its name is Buddy.
Her idea is to serve egg sandwiches. They are easy to cook.
Do you know Helen’s brother? – I know her sister.
Our class starts at 9:15. We have 45 minutes.
There are five people in my family. Their zodiac sign is Capricorn.
Master Possessive Adjectives with IDP
Possessive adjectives are essential in English grammar for expressing ownership. Practice regularly to become confident and flexible in using them. You can also explore IDP's English grammar resources and take advantage of free IELTS practice materials to boost your communication and writing skills.
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