Possessive Adjective: Tips and Tricks, Definition, Rules, and Examples

As you all are well aware the terms possessive nouns and possessive pronouns similarly we have possessive adjective that denote possessions or ownership of a particular thing or object. We will understand the meaning, definition, usage, examples, and difference between possessive adjectives and possessive pronouns in detail in this blog.

Check Out the Complete List of Adjectives from A to Z

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

What Are Possessive Adjectives?

The words that are used before a noun that denotes possession or ownership of that noun are called possessive adjectives. Let’s understand with the help of an example: Rajat has lost his keys.

In the above example, Rajat (subject) lost keys(noun), and the word his denotes possession which explains to us that Rajat lost his keys basically whose keys ??? His keys so the term his is used to show ownership here.

Learn More About Adjective: Definition, Usage, Example, Forms, and Types here!

Key List of Possessive Adjectives in English Grammar 

Possessive adjectives change according to the personal pronouns and gender of the person who owns the nouns. Possessive adjectives can be used at the beginning, middle, and end of the sentence. Read the table carefully:

Pronouns(1st, 2nd, 3rd person)	The Subject of the Pronoun	Possessive Adjectives
Ist person singular	I	my
2nd person singular	you	your
3rd person singular	he she it	his her its
Ist person plural	we	our
2nd person plural	you	your
3rd person plural	they	their

Examples of Possessive Adjectives

Let’s understand the examples of possessive adjectives and their usage through the table below. 

Subject Pronoun (1st, 2nd, 3rd person)	Possessive Adjectives	Examples in Detail
I	My	I like my bag.
You	Your	Where are your belongings?
He	His	I am holding his hat.
She	Her	This is her house.
It	Its	Its fur is too soft.
We	Our	They are going to our house.
You (plural)	Your	Did you all have your lunch today?
They	Their	I am going to their house.

Difference Between Possessive Adjectives And Possessive Pronouns

It is very important for us to understand the basic difference between possessive adjectives and possessive pronouns so go through the table thoroughly to have a better understanding of the concept.

	Possessive Adjective	Possessive Pronouns
Definition	Possessive adjectives are used before a noun to describe more information about the possession or the ownership of that noun.	I play football. He is a doctor.
Place	Possessive adjectives can be used at the beginning, middle, or at the end of the sentence.	Possessive pronouns can never be placed at the beginning of the sentence.
Examples	This is my football. I like his profession.	I play football. He is a doctor.

Exercise on Possessive Adjectives

Fill in the suitable possessive adjective in the following blanks:

1. Have you met _______ sister? Don’t I look like ______?
2. Reena bought a new car. Have you seen _______ car?
3. Ridhi and Rahul are getting married.______ wedding is on 12th of November.
4. We have recently purchased a dog but no one likes _____ dog in the apartments.
5. ________ Science teacher gave us a project on the solar system.
6. He has ______houseboat in Srinagar.
7. Ridhi is going to Canada tomorrow. At what time ______ flight would leave?
8. I have to buy new paint colours to finish ____ painting project.
9. Do you know where _______ husband works?
10. All the students will bring ______ certificates tomorrow.

Answers

Match your answers with the solved exercise given below:

1. Have you met my sister? Don’t I look like her?
2. Reena bought a new car. Have you seen her car?
3. Ridhi and Rahul are getting married. Their wedding is on the 12th of November.
4. We have recently purchased a dog but no one likes our dog in the apartments.
5. Our Science teacher gave us a project on the solar system.
6. He has his houseboat in Srinagar.
7. Ridhi is going to Canada tomorrow. At what time her flight would leave?
8. I have to buy new paint colours to finish my painting project.
9. Do you know where her husband works?
10. All the students will bring their certificates tomorrow.

FAQs 

Explore more Exciting Reads on Adjectives Here!

Types of Adjectives
Descriptive Adjectives	Demonstrative Adjectives
Interrogative Adjectives	Numerical Adjectives
Possessive Adjectives	Proper Adjectives
Article Adjectives	Quantifier Adjectives
Compound Adjectives	Predicative Adjectives
Attributive Adjectives	Comparative Adjectives
Superlative Adjectives	Degree of Comparision

To advance your grammar knowledge and read more informative blogs, check out our Learn English page and don’t forget to follow Leverage Edu.