English Grammar

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Grammar Focus

Possessive adjectives show who something belongs to. They come before a noun and change depending on the subject (I, you, he, she, etc.). They are:
my, your, his, her, its, our, their.

• • Use “my” when talking about yourself: “This is my book.”
  • Use “your” when talking to someone: “Is that your phone?”
  • Use “his” for a man or boy: “His jacket is on the chair.”
  • Use “her” for a woman or girl: “Her name is Anna.”
  • Use “its” for a thing or animal: “The dog is eating its food.”
  • Use “our” for a group that includes you: “Our team won the game.”
  • Use “their” for a group of people or things: “Their house is very big.”

Each word connects a person or thing to something they own or are connected to. Remember: these are adjectives, so they are not used alone. They always go before a noun (like “book,” “car,” or “friend”).

🎧 Why This Grammar Matters for Listening and Speaking

Possessive adjectives are used all the time in everyday conversation. Understanding and using them helps you follow and respond in real-life talks.

You’ll hear them in:

🔹 Introductions: “Hi, this is my friend.”

🔹 Asking questions: “Is that your phone?”

🔹 Giving directions or help: “He lost his keys.”

Being able to recognize whose something is—especially when people talk quickly—helps you avoid confusion and answer naturally. This grammar is useful in:

🗣️ Talking about your family, job, or things you own

🗣️ Asking others about their experiences: “How was your weekend?”

🗣️ Giving clear messages: “They forgot their homework.”

Now, let’s practice your grammar skills with a game.

Use these questions to help you talk about people, animals, and things using possessive adjectives like my, your, his, her, its, our, and their. These words help you explain who things belong to in everyday conversations. Practice asking and answering to build your confidence!

1. Introduce Yourself with “My…”
What can you say about yourself using “My…”?
➤ For example: “My name is Carlos. My favorite color is green.”

2. Ask About Someone Using “Your…”
What questions can you ask a classmate using “your”?
➤ For example: “What is your favorite food?” / “Where is your phone?”

3.Talk About a Friend or Family Member
Choose one person you know. What can you say about them using “his” or “her”?
➤ For example: “Her name is Leila. Her job is interesting.”
➤ For example: “His car is red. His dog is small.”

4. Describe an Animal or Object
Think of a pet or something you own. What can you say about it using “its”?
➤ For example: “This is my dog. Its ears are long.”
➤ For example: “This is my phone. Its screen is cracked.”

5. Talk About a Group You Belong To
What can you say about your group using “our”?
➤ For example: “Our team is strong. Our uniforms are blue.”

6. Describe Others Using “Their…”
Can you describe other people or a group using “their”?
➤ For example: “Their house is big. Their children are friendly.”