Both possessive pronouns and possessive adjectives show ownership, but they function differently in a sentence.
Possessive Adjectives
- Function: They modify nouns, acting like adjectives. They always come before the noun they describe.
- Examples: my, your, his, her, its, our, their
- Sentences:
- This is my book.
- Is that your car?
- The dog wagged its tail.
- Their house is very big.
Possessive Pronouns
- Function: They replace nouns. They stand alone and don't come before another noun.
- Examples: mine, yours, his, hers, its, ours, theirs
- Sentences:
- This book is mine. (It replaces "my book")
- Is that car yours? (It replaces "your car")
- The tail is its. (It replaces "its tail")
- The big house is theirs. (It replaces "their house")
Here's a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | Possessive Adjectives | Possessive Pronouns |
|---|---|---|
| Function | Modifies a noun | Replaces a noun |
| Position | Before the noun | Stands alone |
| Examples | my, your, his, her, its, our, their | mine, yours, his, hers, its, ours, theirs |
Common Mistakes
- Confusing "its" and "it's": "Its" is a possessive adjective (e.g., "The cat licked its paws"). "It's" is a contraction of "it is" (e.g., "It's raining outside").
- Using apostrophes with possessive pronouns: Possessive pronouns never use apostrophes (e.g., "The book is hers," not "her's").
Understanding the difference between possessive adjectives and possessive pronouns will help you use them correctly and avoid common errors.
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