Possessive Adjectives helps you communicate about possession and association before a noun. Start with the meaning, notice the pattern, and then use it in complete sentences.
By the end of this lesson, you can
- I can use possessive adjectives before nouns to show ownership and relationships.
- Recognise and build the form: my, your, his, her, its, our, their + noun.
- Use the pattern accurately in a meaningful sentence.
Meaning and use
Use Possessive Adjectives for possession and association before a noun. Always read the whole situation before choosing the form: grammar expresses a meaning, not only a pattern.
I can't find my keys.
Use possessive adjective 'my' directly before the noun 'keys'.
Is this your phone, Alex?
Use 'your' before a noun for the person being addressed.
Ben loves his new job.
Use 'his' before a noun for a male possessor.
my, your, his, her, its, our, their + nounKeep this pattern visible while you study the examples. Then cover it and rebuild one example from memory.
Key rules to notice
These rules explain why the form is correct. Focus on the subject, auxiliary, verb form, word order and time or meaning clues.
- Use possessive adjective 'my' directly before the noun 'keys'.
- Use 'your' before a noun for the person being addressed.
- Use 'his' before a noun for a male possessor.
- Use 'her' as a possessive adjective before 'parents'.
- 'Its' is the possessive adjective; 'it's' means 'it is'.
Common mistakes
Not:I can't find mine keys.
Use:I can't find my keys.
Use possessive adjective 'my' directly before the noun 'keys'.
Not:Is this yours phone, Alex?
Use:Is this your phone, Alex?
Use 'your' before a noun for the person being addressed.
Not:Ben loves him new job.
Use:Ben loves his new job.
Use 'his' before a noun for a male possessor.
Check before you practise
Complete each sentence mentally, then reveal the answer.
Mia is visiting ____ parents.
her
Use 'her' as a possessive adjective before 'parents'.
The company changed ____ name.
its
'Its' is the possessive adjective; 'it's' means 'it is'.
We finished ____ project today.
our
Use 'our' before a noun for something belonging to 'we'.