Grammar: Possessive Adjectives
A2 Lesson 18: Showing Ownership
What are Possessive Adjectives?
In English, when we want to show that something belongs to someone, we use special "owner" words. These words are called Possessive Adjectives, and they always come before a noun (a thing, person, or place).
They answer the question: "Whose?" (Whose book is it? It's my book.)
The Grammar Rule 📖
From Subject to Owner
Each subject pronoun (like 'I' or 'she') has a matching possessive adjective.
| Subject Pronoun | Possessive Adjective | Example |
|---|---|---|
| I | my | My moto is new. |
| You | your | Your house is big. |
| He | his | His name is Dara. |
| She | her | Her dress is beautiful. |
| We | our | Our family lives in Siem Reap. |
| They | their | Their children are playing. |
In Conversation
Let's see how these words are used in a chat between friends.
Linda: Hi Narin! I like your new shirt.
Narin: Thank you! It's from the Old Market. Oh, is that your sister over there?
Linda: Yes, that's her. Her name is Leakhena. She is with her friend.
Narin: They look happy. Their smiles are very bright!
Linda: Let's go say hello. Our friends will be happy to see us.
Practice Your Grammar 🎯
Exercise: Choose the Correct Word
Choose the correct possessive adjective to complete the sentences.
- I love living in Siem Reap. It is ___ favorite city.
→ my - That is my brother. ___ name is Vuthy.
→ His - We have a small coffee shop. ___ coffee is very popular.
→ Our - My teachers are very kind. I like ___ lessons.
→ their - (Speaking to your friend) Can I borrow ___ pen?
→ your
Your Grammar Mission ⭐
Complete the Family Story
Read the first sentence, then complete the second sentence with 'my', 'your', 'his', 'her', 'our', or 'their'.
- I have a sister. ___ name is Chantha.
→ Her - You have a new phone. Is ___ phone expensive?
→ your - My father has a farm. ___ farm is near the mountain.
→ His - My parents own a restaurant. ___ restaurant is always busy.
→ Their - My friend and I live together. ___ apartment is small.
→ Our
Key Vocabulary
- Belong to To be the property or possession of someone.
- Possessive Adjective A word that comes before a noun to show ownership (my, your, his, her, etc.).