2.1 Nouns, Pronouns, and Agreement
Review Pronouns
Using Possessive Pronouns
You use possessive pronouns in the same way as possessive nouns, to indicate ownership. With possessive pronouns, however, you do not use an apostrophe. There are two kinds of possessive pronouns.
- The first kind of possessive pronoun acts like an adjective—a word that describes a noun—because it is always used before a noun.
Ms. Ellis is in tune with the members of her community and their interests.
These possessive pronouns come before nouns:
Singular | my your his, her, its |
Plural | our your their |
- The second kind of possessive pronoun is used on its own, not before a noun.
Her position closely reflects theirs. We hope it is yours, too.
These possessive pronouns are used on their own:
Singular | mine yours his, hers, its |
Plural | ours yours theirs |
Using Reflexive Pronouns
Reflexive pronouns refer back to the subject of a sentence and end in -self or -selves.
I decided to treat myself. You should treat yourself, too.
They gave themselves a raise. We should give ourselves credit for a job well done.
These are reflexive pronouns:
Singular | myself yourself himself, herself, itself |
Plural | ourselves yourselves themselves |