Question

What are pronouns like 'mine', 'yours', 'his', 'hers', 'ours', 'theirs' called?

• A. Reflexive Pronoun
• B. Demonstrative Pronoun
• C. Possessive Pronoun
• D. Indefinite Pronoun

Answer 1

Answer:

C. Possessive Pronoun

Possessive Pronouns

• Definition: Possessive pronouns are words that indicate ownership or possession. They replace a noun phrase that shows ownership.
• Function: They show who or what something belongs to.
• Examples: 'Mine', 'yours', 'his', 'hers', 'ours', 'theirs'.
• Distinction from Possessive Adjectives: It is important to distinguish possessive pronouns from possessive adjectives. Possessive adjectives (e.g., 'my', 'your', 'his', 'her', 'our', 'their') come before a noun to modify it (e.g., 'This is my book'). Possessive pronouns stand alone and replace the noun (e.g., 'This book is mine').
• Usage in Sentences:
  • The final decision is yours.
  • That red car is his.
  • The responsibility is hers.
  • The biggest slice of cake was ours.
  • Whose keys are these? They are theirs.
• Common Exam Focus: Exams often test the ability to differentiate between possessive adjectives and possessive pronouns and to use them correctly in sentences. Pay attention to whether the word modifies a noun or stands independently.