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Phxsunstoon Posted 13 years ago
Grammar

hers, theirs, yours

Can someone please explain to me why we add -s after pronouns like hers, theirs, and yours to show possession when her, their, and your are already in the possessive case? Is it to show post-genitive form?
  

Top answer

her, their, your are possessive adjectives hers, theirs, yours are possessive pronouns phxsunstoon Is it to show post-genitive form? That is their function, yes.

— Mister Micawber

  • her, their, your are possessive adjectives hers, theirs, yours are possessive pronouns phxsunstoon Is it to show post-genitive form?
  • That is their function, yes.
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4 Answers
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her, their, your are possessive adjectives
hers, theirs, yours are possessive pronouns
phxsunstoon Is it to show post-genitive form?
That is their function, yes.
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phxsunstoonIs it to show post-genitive form?
Yes, but that's not its only use. The non-s form is used when a noun follows; the -s form is used when no noun follows.

This is her car. This car is hers.
This is their home. This home is theirs.

The pair my, mine does not have the -s, but the relationship is the same.
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CalifJimThe non-s form is used when a noun follows; the -s form is used when no noun follows.
Is there a reason we do this? I find it helpful to understand the logic behind why rules exist.

Thanks.
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phxsunstoonIs there a reason we do this?
Well, of course. It's done so that we don't confuse one kind of word with another kind of word.

sentimental is an adjective; sentiment is a noun. Different forms.
fatal is an adjective; fatality is a noun. Different forms.
tenacious is an adjective; tenacity
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