In this section, you will learn how to show ownership or possession in English using possessive adjectives, possessive nouns, and other related structures. Let’s get started!
What are Possessives?
Possessives are used to show that something belongs to someone or something. For example:
- “This is my book.” → The book belongs to me.
- “Maria’s bag is red.” → The bag belongs to Maria.
In English, we use possessive adjectives, possessive nouns, and the word ‘s to express possession.
Possessive Adjectives
Possessive adjectives are used before a noun to show ownership. Here is a table of the most common possessive adjectives:
| Person | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| First Person | My (my book) | Our (our house) |
| Second Person | Your (your car) | Your (your team) |
| Third Person | His (his phone), Her (her dress), Its (its color) | Their (their garden) |
Examples:
- This is my pen.
- That is her dress.
- These are their toys.
Possessive Nouns (‘s)
To show possession with nouns, we add an apostrophe (‘) and the letter s (‘s) to the noun. This is used for both people and things.
Rules for Forming Possessive Nouns:
- For singular nouns: Add ‘s.
- Example: The boy’s bike. (The bike belongs to the boy.)
- For plural nouns ending in -s: Add only an apostrophe (‘).
- Example: The girls’ room. (The room belongs to the girls.)
- For irregular plural nouns: Add ‘s.
- Example: The children’s toys. (The toys belong to the children.)
Practice Examples:
- The dog’s tail is long.
- The teachers’ office is on the second floor.
- The men’s jackets are black.
Using “Whose” to Ask About Possession
The word whose is used to ask about possession. It is similar to asking, “Who does this belong to?”
Example Sentences:
- Whose book is this?
- Whose keys are on the table?
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Confusing “its” and “it’s”:
- Its (possessive, no apostrophe): The cat licked its paw.
- It’s (contraction of “it is”): It’s raining outside.
- Adding ‘s to plural nouns already ending in -s:
- Incorrect: The boys’s toys.
- Correct: The boys’ toys.
Practice Games
Summary
- Use possessive adjectives like my, your, his, etc., before a noun to show ownership.
- Use ‘s for singular nouns and irregular plurals, and only ‘ for plural nouns ending in -s.
- Use whose to ask about possession.
- Avoid common mistakes like confusing its and it’s.
Now you know how to talk about possession in English! Practice these rules, and soon you’ll be able to use them confidently.
Key Vocabulary
Here are some key words from this lesson:
- Possession
- Ownership
- Adjective
- Noun