Possessive Pronoun

Definition of Possessive Pronoun
A possessive pronoun is used to expose ownership, or to point out the individual that owns the object. It replaces a noun within a sentence. Possessive pronouns include:

my/mine
your/yours
his
hers
its
our/ours
their/theirs
whose
For instance, in the sentence, “We had been each work-study youngsters with University jobs. Hers was within the library; mine was within the Commons cafeteria” (Joyland, with the aid of Stephen King), “hers” and “mine” are possessive pronouns.

Difference Between Possessive Pronoun and Contraction
Often possessive pronouns and contractions appear interchangeable, but they perform very exclusive capabilities. There are a few contractions that seem like possessive pronouns, however they are, in fact, one of a kind from the pronouns that look similar to the contractions.

These are confusing for many human beings, as – in those pairs – the contraction carries an apostrophe, however the possessive pronoun does now not. Here are some examples of commonly confused possessive pronouns and contractions:

Its/it’s
The canine ran after its owner.
This sentence uses possessive pronoun “its.”

It’s raining today.
Here “it’s” is a contraction for “it's miles.”

Theirs/there’s
There’s most effective at some point left.
In this sentence, “there’s” is a contraction for “there is.”

The container is theirs.
This sentence has used possessive pronoun “theirs.”

Whose/who’s
Who’s making noise?
Here, “who’s” is a contraction for “who is.”

Whose e book is this?
In this sentence, “whose” is a possessive pronoun.

Your/you’re
You’re maximum welcome!
In this sentence, “you’re” is a contraction for “you are.”

Your lunch is ready.
This sentence “your” is a possessive pronoun.

Common Use of Possessive Pronoun
I have misplaced my ebook, so Mary lent me hers.
This house is yours.
This dog is licking its bone.
Take it to her party.
This is my sister’s phone; I’m sure it's miles hers.
Types of Possessive Pronoun
There are two sorts of possessive pronoun:

Absolute or Strong Possessive Pronoun
The absolute, or strong, possessive pronoun stands alone, does now not alter a noun, and functions as a subject. It is often referred as a possessive pronoun., though it's miles, in fact, an absolute pronoun. The basic absolute pronouns are: his, hers, mine, yours, theirs, its, and ours. For example:

Our dog is properly mannered, however theirs barks all time.
This suit is hers.
Mine is a jacket with front line buttons.
Is this vehicle yours?
Weak Possessive Pronoun
Weak possessive is also known as possessive determiners that function as determiners and precede a noun. Weak possessive pronouns are his, her, my, your, its, our and their. For example:

My cellular is new.
This is his laptop.
Examples of Possessive Pronoun in Literature
Example #1: Woman and the New Race (via Margaret Sanger)
“Woman have to have her freedom – the fundamental freedom of selecting whether or not or not she will be a mother and how many youngsters she can have. Regardless of what man’s mind-set may be, that problem is hers – and before it could be his, it's far hers alone.”

Sanger has used both absolute and weak possessive pronouns as underlined. The vulnerable possessive pronoun is “his”, whilst absolute possessive pronoun is “hers.”

Example #2: The Poison Sky (by way of Helen Raynor)
“Go on, get inside the TARDIS. Oh, by no means given you a key? Keep that. Go on, that’s yours. Quite a huge second really!”

In this line, absolutely the possessive pronoun “yours” replaces the noun “key.” This pronoun is performing independently, the motive that it's miles an absolute pronoun.

Example #3: The Catcher inside the Rye (through J.D. Salinger)
“It’s really tough to be roommates with people if your suitcases are much better than theirs.”

Here is another desirable use of absolute possessive pronoun “theirs”, represents a previous noun, people. It does now not alter the noun here.

Example #4: Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (by Lewis Carroll)
“Mine is an extended and sad tale!’ said the Mouse, turning to Alice, and sighing.
“It is a protracted tail, certainly’ said Alice, looking down with surprise at the Mouse’s tail; ‘however why do you call it sad?”

The first line in the above instance shows the use of absolute possessive pronoun “mine,” which represents the subsequent noun “Mouse.”

Function
Possessive pronouns help writers to avoid the repetitive use of nouns. Repetitive use of nouns makes a piece of prose trite, and tough to read. In fact, they show ownership and possession of something. In this way, they make the meanings of sentences clear. Also, they, sometimes, serve as topics and items of sentences, and refer to singular or plural antecedents.

Phrase Prefix