Published Jul 3, 2014 Updated Aug 25, 2026 2 min read
Possessive Pronouns
Possessive Pronouns
Play the quick video lesson HERE and click the upper left back arrow to return to this lesson.
Common Core Language Standard 1
To possess means to own or control something. We might say that you possess a smart phone or you possess the ability to learn. Both nouns and pronouns can be in the possessive case because they can own or control something.
Today’s grammar and usage lesson is on possessive pronouns. Remember that a pronoun takes the place of a noun. A pronoun may also modify a noun.
Now let’s read the grammar and mechanics lesson and study the examples.
Possessive pronouns show ownership and may be used before a noun or without a noun.
Before a noun—my, your, his, her, its, our, your, their
When a possessive pronoun is used before a noun, it modifies the noun. The verb matches the noun, not the pronoun. Example: Our house seems small.
Without a noun—mine, yours, his, hers, ours, yours, theirs
When a possessive pronoun is used without a noun, the verb must match the noun which the pronoun represents. Example: Mary said that my jacket is nice, but hers is nicer.
Now circle or highlight what is right and revise what is wrong according to grammar and mechanics lesson.
Practice: We took our donations to the shelter. Their clothes were brand new, but my were used.
Let’s check the Practice Answers.
Grammar and Mechanics Practice Answers: We took our donations to the shelter. Their clothes were brand new, but mine were used.
Now let’s apply what we have learned.
Writing Application: Write your own sentences using a possessive pronoun before a noun and a possessive pronoun without a noun.
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