Possessives
Explanation: Possessives are word that show ownership, that indicate something belongs to somebody. Possessives can be nouns, adjectives, or pronouns. Because each form is used differently, you must be able to distinguish between them in order to use them correctly.
1. Possessive Nouns. When using possessive nouns, you must indicate whether the owner is singular or plural by placement of the opostrophe. Singular possessives use 's; plural possessives use s'.
Examples:
This book belongs to the boy. It is the boy's book.
These books belong to the boys. They are the boys' books.
For irregular plural nouns (e.g., men, women, children, people), use 's to show possession.
Examples:
The women's suitcases are in the hotel.
The children's toys are broken.
2. Possessive Adjectives. Possessive adjectives describe nouns and always appear before them; the possessive adjectives are my, your, his, her, its, our, and their.
Examples:
My book is on your desk.
Carrie bought a kitten today. Her Kitten is black.
Bob and Sue have one car. Their car is Honda.
3. Possessive Pronouns. Possessive pronouns replace nouns in a sentence. Unlike possessive adjectives, then, they are not followed by nouns. The possessive pronouns are: mine, yours, his, hers, ours, and theirs.
Examples:
That pencil doesn't belong to you. It isn't yours. It is mine.
Could Ron and I borrow your car? Ours is not working.
David needs a new stereo. His was stolen.