Possessive Adjectives

Understanding Possessive Adjectives

What They Are: Possessive adjectives are words like 'my,' 'your,' 'his,' 'her,' 'its,' 'our,' and 'their.' They are used before a noun to show who owns or possesses that noun. Why They're Important: They help us clarify to whom or what something belongs, making our sentences clear and specific.

Using Possessive Adjectives in Everyday Language

1. Indicating Personal Belongings: This is my book.
2. Referring to Others’ Items: Is that your car?
3. Talking about Relationships: Her brother is very tall.
4. Describing Things Related to Animals: The dog wagged its tail.
5. Discussing Shared Items: Our project is almost complete.
6. Referring to Belongings of Others: Their house is beautiful.

Common Mistakes with Possessive Adjectives

1. Confusing Possessive Adjectives and Pronouns:
   • ❌ Incorrect: This is her book. (When referring to the book belonging to the speaker)
   • ✅ Correct: This is my book.
2. Using Apostrophes with Possessive Adjectives:
   • ❌ Incorrect: His' bike is new.
   • ✅ Correct: His bike is new.
3. Misusing 'Its' and 'It's':
   • ❌ Incorrect: The cat licked it's paw.
   • ✅ Correct: The cat licked its paw. ('It's' is a contraction for 'it is' or 'it has.')
4. Using the Wrong Possessive Adjective:
   • ❌ Incorrect: Our parents are kind. (When speaking about someone else's parents)
   • ✅ Correct: Their parents are kind.
5. Omitting the Possessive Adjective:
   • ❌ Awkward: I found dog's leash.
   • ✅ Natural: I found the dog's leash.
6. Using a Possessive Adjective Instead of a Reflexive Pronoun:
   • ❌ Incorrect: He bought himself a new car. (When trying to emphasize that he did it for himself)
   • ✅ Correct: He bought a new car for himself.
7. Confusing 'Your' and 'You're':
   • ❌ Incorrect: Your going to love this movie.
   • ✅ Correct: You're going to love this movie. ('You're' is a contraction for 'you are.')