Distinguish Possessive Adjectives And Pronouns

Skill

Distinguish Possessive Adjectives And Pronouns

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Possessive adjectives and pronouns both show who or what "owns" a noun. However, possessive adjectives and possessive pronouns do not have the same function, and these two kinds of possessives can be confused on the TOEFL test. A possessive adjective describes a noun: it must be accompanied by a noun. A possessive pronoun takes the place of a noun: it cannot be accompanied by a noun.

They lent me their book. <ADJECTIVE>
They lent me theirs. <PRONOUN>

Notice that in the first example the possessive adjective their is accompanied by the noun book. In the second example the possessive pronoun theirs is not accompanied by a noun.

These examples show the types of errors that are possible with possessive adjectives and possessive pronouns on the TOEFL test.

Each morning they read theirs* newspapers.
Could you give me your*?

In the first example, the possessive pronoun theirs is incorrect because it is accompanied by the noun newspapers, and a possessive pronoun cannot be accompanied by a noun. The possessive adjective their is needed in the first example. In the second example, the possessive adjective your is incorrect because it is not accompanied by a noun, and a possessive adjective must be accompanied by a noun. The possessive pronoun yours is needed in the second example.

The following chart outlines the possessives and their uses:

POSSESSIVE ADJECTIVES: my, your, his, her, its, our, their
=>must be accompanied by a noun
POSSESSIVE PRONOUNS: mine, yours, his, hers, ours, theirs
=>cannot be accompanied by a noun

Exercise

Complete the following exercises to reinforce what you’ve learned:

Each of the following sentences contains at least one possessive pronoun or adjective. Circle the possessives in these sentences. Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).

  1. ___ If she borrows your coat, then you should be able to borrow her.
  2. ___ Each pot and pan in her kitchen has its own place on the shelf.
  3. ___ Mary and Mark invited theirs parents to see their new apartment.
  4. ___ When my roommate paid her half of the rent, I paid mine.
  5. ___ All students need to bring theirs own pencils and answer sheets to the exam.
  6. ___ All her secretaries are working late tonight to finish her report.
  7. ___ The horse trotting around the track won its race a few minutes ago.
  8. ___ Before the report is finalized, the information in their notes and our must be proofed.
  9. ___ She worked all day cooking food and making decorations for her son's birthday party.
  10. ___ The weather in the mountains this weekend will be extremely cold, so please take yours heavy jackets.

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