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Possessive Pronouns in Complex Sentences

Learn how to use possessive pronouns correctly in complex sentences. Understand structures like This house is theirs, not ours.

What Are Possessive Pronouns?

Possessive pronouns (mine, yours, his, hers, its, ours, theirs) show ownership without repeating the noun.

Why Is This Important?

Using possessive pronouns correctly helps avoid redundancy and makes sentences clearer.

How to Use Possessive Pronouns in Complex Sentences

Possessive pronouns replace nouns to indicate ownership, especially when making comparisons or emphasizing possession.

Common Examples

This house is theirs, not ours.
These books are mine, not yours.

Key Points

  • Possessive pronouns replace nouns to avoid repetition
    • This bag is mine, not hers.
    • The decision was his, not theirs.
  • Possessive pronouns are never followed by a noun
    • Incorrect: This is mine book.
    • Correct: This book is mine.
  • Use possessive pronouns in comparisons
    • His idea was better than hers.
    • Your car is newer than mine.

Rules for Using Possessive Pronouns in Complex Sentences

  • Use possessive pronouns to avoid repeating nouns

    • This phone is mine, not yours.
    • That house is theirs, not ours.
    • These bags are hers, not his.

  • Possessive pronouns do not need a noun after them

    • Incorrect: This is mine book.
    • Correct: This book is mine.
    • Incorrect: The car is hers car.
    • Correct: The car is hers.

  • Use possessive pronouns in comparisons

    • My shoes are more comfortable than hers.
    • His laptop is faster than mine.
    • Your house is bigger than theirs.

  • Special Cases & Exceptions:

    Possessive pronouns do not use apostrophes ('s).

  • Do not confuse possessive pronouns with contractions.

    • Incorrect: The decision is her’s.
    • Correct: The decision is hers.

  • Possessive pronouns can stand alone in short answers.

    • Who owns this phone? It’s mine.
    • Which car is yours? The blue one is mine.
ExampleTenseUse
This house is theirs, not ours.Possessive PronounShowing ownership in comparison
These books are mine, not yours.Possessive PronounAvoiding repetition of nouns
My idea was better than hers.Possessive PronounComparison using possessives
His laptop is newer than mine.Possessive PronounReplacing a noun to indicate ownership

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with the creators of these videos. These are publicly available resources used to provide additional information on the topic.