Grammar Study Guide: Possessive Pronouns

A possessive pronoun takes the place of a possessive noun. A possessive noun is one that shows ownership. In the sentence Lola’s sandwich is much thicker than Larry’s. Lola’s and Larry’s are both possessive nouns. That sentence could be rewritten as Her sandwich is much thicker than his. In that sentence her and his are possessive pronouns, taking the place of Lola’s and Larry’s, respectively.

Some possessive pronouns are used with nouns. They are my, your, his, her, its, our, and their.

Examples: This is my cup. That is her cup.
Your jacket is blue, while his jacket is green.
The bird ruffled its feathers.

Some possessive pronouns are used on their own. They are mine, yours, his, hers, its, ours, and theirs. Notice that only his and its are in both groups.

Examples: This cup is mine. That is hers.
Yours is blue, while his is green.
That bird feed is its.