This is an informational article that aims to answer the question: is “my” a possessive pronoun? It will further attempt to clear any confusion regarding the difference between possessive pronouns and possessive adjectives.
To start with, “my” is not a possessive pronoun—it is a possessive adjective. This is because the word “my” can only be used before nouns in order to modify their meaning. On the other hand, possessive pronouns always replace nouns.
Can “my” be a pronoun?
No, the word “my” is not a pronoun. Despite the fact that both possessive pronouns and possessive adjectives are used to communicate ownership or belonging, they are not the same thing. While possessive pronouns replace nouns, possessive adjectives are placed before nouns. The word “my” is a possessive adjective.
Here is a complete list of possessive pronouns: mine, ours, yours, his, hers, its, and theirs.
Now, here is a complete list of possessive adjectives: my, our, your, his, her, its, and their.
When is “my” a possessive pronoun?
“My” is never a possessive pronoun. It is always a possessive adjective/ possessive determiner. Remember, possessive adjectives are those words that modify or come before nouns in order to express who they belong to.
Where is “my” a possessive pronoun?
There are no instances or examples of “my” ever being a possessive pronoun. It is always a possessive adjective.
How is “my” a possessive pronoun?
“My” is not a possessive pronoun because it cannot be used to replace nouns. “My” is a possessive adjective. This is because it is always used before a noun in order to communicate who has ownership of it.
Read more about Literary Allusion Examples
Examples of “my” as a possessive adjective
Example 1: I always have to remind my brother not to touch my things without my permission.
In this example, “my” is a possessive adjective/possessive determiner placed before the nouns “brother,” “things,” and “permission.”
Example 2: My problems are negligible compared to those of people who are less fortunate than me.
In this example, “my” is a possessive adjective/possessive determiner placed before the noun “problems.”
Example 3: My ideas and work should not be borrowed or used without my consent.
In this example, “my” is a possessive adjective/possessive determiner placed before the nouns “ideas” and “consent.”
Example 4: Akanksha and Moksha are my best friends.
In this example, “my” is a possessive adjective/possessive determiner placed before the noun “best friends”
Example 5: It is my dream to work as an aerospace engineer for NASA.
In this example, “my” is a possessive adjective/possessive determiner placed before the noun “dream.”
Example 6: I can’t study today because Akash borrowed my notebook and forgot to return it to me.
In this example, “my” is a possessive adjective/possessive determiner placed before the noun “notebook.”
Example 7: I can’t come to the party because I have to take my dog for his walk in the evening.
In this example, “my” is a possessive adjective/possessive determiner placed before the noun “dog.”
Example 8: In my opinion, we should wait until the rain has slowed down before we head out.
In this example, “my” is a possessive adjective/possessive determiner placed before the noun “opinion.”
Example 9: My interests don’t have to align with yours for us to be friends.
In this example, “my” is a possessive adjective/possessive determiner placed before the noun “interests.”
Example 10: Could you please pass me my hat?
In this example, “my” is a possessive adjective/possessive determiner placed before the noun “hat.”
Can “my” be a personal pronoun?
No, “my” cannot be a personal pronoun. A personal pronoun refers to a word that can be used in the place of the proper name of a person or animal. Since “my” cannot be used as a substitute to the proper name of a person or animal, it is not a personal pronoun.
The following is a list of all possible personal pronouns: I, you, he, she, it, we they, me, him, her, us, and them.
Can “my” be an object pronoun?
“My” can never be an object pronoun because it is not a pronoun. “My” is always a possessive adjective/ possessive determiner. Object pronouns are pronouns (words that replace nouns) that are receiving an action.
Here is a complete list of all possible object pronouns: me, him, her, us, them, you, and it.
In conclusion, the answer to the question “is my a possessive pronoun?”—is that it is not a pronoun at all. “My” is a possessive adjective.
Hi, I am Srishti Mukherjee. I have completed my M.A. in English.
I always like to explore new zones in the field of English Literature
Apart from this, I like to read Novels and watch movies.