Possessive pronouns

Question

The A level Language textbook we use categorises 'my' 'your' 'his' 'her' 'our' and 'their' as possessive pronouns.

I think they cannot be pronouns since they do not replace nouns. I have seen them referred to as both possessive adjectives and possessive determiners.

I think possessive pronouns are 'mine' 'yours' 'his' 'hers' 'ours and 'theirs' which can indeed replace nouns (as in 'My house is small; hers is enormous')

Does anyone have a view on this?

Jemaasjr · Accepted Answer

This is something I have never thought about before.

His and her can be used as pronouns, I looked it up.

CalifJim · Answer

AnonymousDoes anyone have a view on this?

Yes. I have a view on it. I agree with you. Nevertheless, many textbooks use the term possessive pronouns for what you and I call possessive adjectives (or determiners). There is no point in arguing with others about it; they've made up their minds, and it would be difficult to shake them from their errors. I just go along with them.

CJ

Philip · Answer

This has been discussed at length somewhere else, I know. As far as I'm concerned, if it doesn't replace a noun, it isn't a pronoun. My, your, his, her, our, their are adjectives (although his does double duty as a pronoun as well). I know I won't convince those in the other camp, and I'm not going to try, but I'll continue make a distinction between adjectives and pronouns.

CalifJim · Answer

PhilipThis has been discussed at length somewhere else, I know.

And I'll give you a million dollars if you can find it in less than 30 minutes.

CJ

Philip · Answer

I know you're joking about the

, but I took the first one I found andverified your answer. Possessive adjectives or possessive pronouns?

CalifJim · Answer

Ah, Philip, you are much luckier than I am with the search function!!!
I guess some people just have the magic touch.

Jim

Possessive pronouns

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