Possessive Adjective: Definition, Types & Practice Worksheet

What Is a Possessive Adjective?

A possessive adjective is an adjective that is used to describe ownership between people and things. It modifies a noun by demonstrating who owns or is associated with it. These adjectives are also known as possessive determiners. In simple terms, any word that has been put into use to clarify the ownership of something is called a possessive adjective.

For a better understanding, let's look at an example.

For example

• Klassen lost his car keys.
• This book belongs to me.
• The project is assigned to them.

In the examples above, you can see words like "his, me, and them" are used to clarify the possession. Furthermore, it is crucial to learn that possessive adjectives and pronouns both help in indicating ownership or a relationship; however, they function distinctly in writing.

Key Characteristics of Possessive Adjectives

Possessive adjectives or determiners are a crucial part of English Grammar. Some of its key characteristics include:

• These adjectives are mainly used to indicate possession.
• Possessive determiners function in a manner that they can describe or modify nouns by defining ownership.
• These adjectives are placed in the sentences just before the noun they modify.
• Possessive adjectives have a distinct grammar role despite having a strong relation with possessive nouns and pronouns.
• Possessive adjectives do not have a distinct singular or plural form.

Types of Possessive Adjectives in English with Examples

In our day-to-day conversations, possessive adjectives are widely used in various contexts. These adjectives help to specify the ownership. So, let's look at the types / kinds of possessive adjectives used in English.

Some of the most commonly used examples of possessive adjectives are:

1. My: It is used to clarify that something belongs to the speaker.

Example: This is my car.

2. Your: It is used to clarify that something belongs to the individual being spoken to.

Example: "Is that your car?

3. His: A commonly used adjective used to indicate something belonging to a male individual.

Example: He likes his coffee.

4. Her: A commonly used adjective used to indicate something belonging to a female individual.

Example: She is wearing her coat

5. It's: An Adjective used to indicate that something belongs to an object or animal

Example: The cat wagged its tail

6. Our: Adjective used to indicate that something belongs to a group, including the speaker

Example: That is our house

7. Their: An Adjective used to indicate that something belongs to a group of people.

Example: The boys are carrying their training kits.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Using Possessive Adjectives

Mistakes and errors are part of the learning journey; these mistakes help you learn the topic more effectively. When using possessive adjectives in English grammar, there are fewer chances of grammatical mistakes. However, it is important to watch out for spelling errors as they can impact your writing.

So, let's look at some common mistakes that you must avoid:

1. Avoid using "it's" when you mean "its":

• The possessive adjective"its'" is commonly confused with "it's", which is not used to indicate ownership.
• The term "It's" is a short form used for "it is" or "it has".
• If you can't extend your "it's" with "it is" or "it has" in writing, then it's incorrect.

For Example:

• It's correctly said that practice makes man perfect.
• It is correctly said that practice makes man perfect.

2. Don't use "you're" when you mean "your"

• "You're" is a contraction used for "you are".
• It is a mandatory grammar rule. It is often confused with the adjective "your".
• So, next time, try to change "you're' with "you are" in writing. If not, then it is not used correctly.

For Example:

• I know you're busy, but can you help me with this?
• I know you are busy, but can you help me with this?

3. Don't mistake "there," "they're", and "their."

• "They're" is a commonly used short form for "they are".
• In English grammar, if you can't use "they are" in place of " they're", then it is surely wrong.
• "There" is a word used for place, just like "here".

For Example:

• "I think they're coming to the party." 
• "I think they are coming to the party." 

4. Avoid writing "who's" when you mean "whose"

• "Who's is short for "who is " or "who has".
• It is a mandatory grammar rule.
• If you are not able to extend "who's" with "who is " or "who has", then it is wrong.

For Example:

• Do you know who's in charge?
• Do you know who is in charge?

Rules for Using Possessive Adjectives Correctly in Sentences

The correct use of possessive adjective in sentence is possible when you are familiar with their best practices and rules. Let's look at a few of them.

• Don't accidentally use possessive adjectives as nouns.
• Don't confuse them with possessive pronouns or nouns
• Avoid using possessive adjectives as subjects, objects, or subject complements.
• Ensure placement of the possessive adjective in the sentence before the noun they modify.
• Possessive adjectives in writing do not require apostrophes.

Exercises and Practice Questions on Possessive Adjectives

Now that you have discovered the meaning of possessive adjective with examples, it's time to check your knowledge of this grammatical element. So, let's solve the following possessive adjectives worksheet to enhance your understanding of the topic.

Exercise 1- Fill in the Blanks to Complete the Sentences.

In this exercise, you have to fill in the blanks using correct possessive adjectives.

1. Where is _______ classroom? We can’t find it.

2. When did Mr. and Mrs. Smith buy _______ new television?

3. _______ names are Rachel and Julie. They are my friends.

4. We still have twenty more minutes before _______ class begins.

5. I think this is _______ book. She dropped it on the floor.

6. Do you think your father likes _______birthday present?

7. He forgot to write _______ name on the test!

8. Did the cat eat all of _______ food?

9. The kids are crying because they can’t find _______ toys.

10. Jansen, is that _______ training kit on the table?

11. The men always bring _______ families to Christmas Eve.

12. ______ uncle works in a Glass manufacturing company

13. I really like my new home, especially _______ location.

14. Oh no! I can’t find _______ keys! Where are they?

15. Brazil is located in South America. _______ capital city is Rio de Janeiro.

Answers for Exercise 1

1. Where is your classroom? We can’t find it.

2. When did Mr. and Mrs. Smith buy their new television?

3. Their names are Rachel and Julie. They are my friends.

4. We still have twenty more minutes before our class begins.

5. I think this is her. She dropped it on the floor.

6. Do you think your father likes his birthday present?

7. He forgot to write his name on the test!

8. Did the cat eat all of its food?

9. The kids are crying because they can’t find their

10. Jansen, is that your training kit on the table?

11. The men always bring their families to Christmas Eve.

12. My uncle works in a Glass manufacturing company

13. I really like my new home, especially its

14. Oh no! I can’t find my keys! Where are they?

15. Brazil is located in South America. Its capital city is Rio de Janeiro.

Exercise 2: Complete the Following Sentences Using Correct Possessive Adjectives

In this possessive adjectives worksheet, you have to complete the following sentences using the options given

1. I think I left (my / their / his) umbrella in the classroom.

2. This is Sameer’s bat. It’s (her / his / my) favourite sports equipment.

3. Please, take a seat! (Our / Their / His) meeting will begin in 5 minutes.

4. Do you know if (his / her / their) parents are coming to the event tonight?

5. We couldn’t find (his / her / our) keys anywhere, so we called the locksmith.

6. (Your / Our / Their) party was amazing! Thanks for inviting me.

7. After the concert, (our / her / his) team celebrated together at a nearby restaurant.

8. I think (my / her / his) laptop is running out of battery.

9. I love (my / his / their) new shoes. They’re so comfortable.

10. (Their / Our / My) house is at the end of the street, next to the park.

Answers for Exercise 2:

1. I think I left my umbrella in the classroom

2. This is Sameer’s bat. It’s his favourite sports equipment.

3. Please, take a seat! our meeting will begin in 5 minutes.

4. Do you know if their parents are coming to the event tonight?

5. We couldn’t find our keys anywhere, so we called the locksmith.

6. Your party was amazing! Thanks for inviting me.

7. After the tournament final, our team celebrated together at a nearby restaurant.

8. I think my laptop is running out of battery.

9. I love my new shoes. They’re so comfortable.

10. Our house is at the end of the street, next to the park.

Conclusion– Mastering Possessive Adjectives in English Grammar

To sum up, a possessive adjective is a vital part of English grammar that helps us to indicate ownership and possession. Before reading this blog, you might not have noticed how commonly you use these adjectives in day-to-day conversations. Here, we have included best practices, common mistakes, types and practice worksheets to help you learn effectively. In addition, if you wish to enhance your grammar or language skills, you can connect with our mentors for expert guidance.

FAQs

1. What is the difference between possessive pronouns and possessive adjectives?

Possessive pronouns and possessive adjectives are both used to indicate ownership. However, both function distinctly in a sentence. While possessive adjectives modify the nouns and always appear before them, possessive pronouns replace the nouns entirely.

2. What is a possessive adjective for a person?

A possessive adjective for a person can take multiple forms, depending on the person being referred to.

• For First Person: My
• For Second Person: Your
• For Third Person: His, Her, Its

3. How do you express possession using possessive adjectives?

Possessive adjectives in English are used to express possession by preceding the noun they modify.

For example

• My: Referring to the speaker (e.g., "This is my cup.")
• Your: Referring to the person being spoken to (e.g., "Is this your phone?")
• His: Belonging to a male individual (e.g., "That's his dog.")
• her: Belonging to a female individual (e.g., "That's her cat.")
• It's: Belonging to an object or animal (e.g., "The bird broke its wing.")
• Our: Belonging to a group of people, including the speaker (e.g., "This is our house.")
• Their: Belonging to a group of people (e.g., "That's their classroom.")