Possessive Adjectives - Meaning, Definition and Examples

Lesson Overview

• What Is a Possessive Adjective?
• Why Are Possessive Adjectives Important?
• List of Possessive Adjectives
• How to Use Possessive Adjectives in Sentences
• Possessive Adjectives Examples
• Difference Between Possessive Pronoun and Possessive Adjective

Possessive adjectives are like name tags for the things we own, they tell everyone who something belongs to. Without them, sentences would feel incomplete and confusing. In this lesson, we will learn how to use possessive adjectives correctly to make our sentences clear and precise.

What Is a Possessive Adjective?

A possessive adjective is a word used before a noun to show who owns or possesses something.

 It answers the question "Whose?" and makes sentences clearer.

For example, 

"This is your notebook."

In this sentence, "your" shows possession: 

Why Are Possessive Adjectives Important?

Possessive adjectives are vital for proper communication. 

They make sentences more specific and help readers know who owns something.

 For instance, instead of saying, This is bag, we say, This is my bag.

Take This Quiz :

Possessive Adjectives Quiz

List of Possessive Adjectives

Below is a list of possessive adjectives. Using these words makes your writing clearer and more specific.

How to Use Possessive Adjectives in Sentences

Here's how to use possessive adjectives in sentences, step by step:

Step 1: Identify the Noun That Needs a Possessive Adjective

The first step is to find the noun in the sentence that needs to show ownership. This noun is the thing that belongs to someone or is related to someone.

For example:

• The bag belongs to Emma.
  In this sentence, "bag" is the noun that needs a possessive adjective.

Step 2: Identify the Owner of the Noun

Next, figure out who owns or is related to the noun. The owner can be a person, group, or thing.

For example:

• The bag belongs to Emma.
  Here, Emma is the owner of the bag.

Step 3: Choose the Correct Possessive Adjective

Now, select the possessive adjective that matches the owner. Use the following list to choose the right word:

For example:

• The bag belongs to Emma. → This is her bag.
  (Since Emma is female, we use "her" before "bag.")

Step 4: Place the Possessive Adjective Before the Noun

Possessive adjectives always come before the noun they describe.

For example:

• This is my pen. (Correct)
• This is pen my. (Incorrect)

Other examples:

• We love our teacher.
• He forgot his phone.

Step 5: Ensure the Sentence Makes Sense

Finally, read the sentence to check if it clearly shows ownership. Make sure the possessive adjective and noun match correctly.

For example:

• These are their shoes. (Correct)
• These are they shoes. (Incorrect)

By following these steps, you can correctly use possessive adjectives to make sentences clear and meaningful.

Possessive Adjectives Examples

Here are possessive adjective examples in sentences:

Take This Quiz :

Possessive Adjectives Test Quiz!

Difference Between Possessive Pronoun and Possessive Adjective

Understanding the difference between possessive pronouns and possessive adjectives is important.

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Exercise 4 : Possessive Adjectives & Possessive Pronouns