Rules and practice for using possessive pronouns: My, Mine, Mines and Mine’s

English can be a perplexing language for those learning it as a second language, especially when it comes to possessive pronouns. The words “my,” “mine,” “mines,” and “mine’s” may seem similar, but they have distinct uses and meanings. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between these words to help you use them correctly in your English communication.

1. “My”

• “My” is a possessive pronoun used before a noun to indicate ownership or possession by the speaker or the person being referred to. It’s the singular form.Examples:
  • That’s my book.
  • This is my car.
  • My favorite color is blue.

In these examples, “my” is used to show ownership or possession of a book, a car, and a preference.

2. “Mine”

• “Mine” is also a possessive pronoun but is used without a noun following it. It stands alone to show possession. It’s the singular form.Examples:
  • Is this your pen? No, it’s mine.
  • Whose shoes are these? They’re mine.
  • The red bicycle is mine; the blue one is yours.

In these examples, “mine” stands alone and indicates ownership or possession of the pen, the shoes, and the red bicycle.

3. “Mines”

• “Mines” is the plural form of “mine.” It’s used when you want to indicate that multiple things belong to you.Examples:
  • These books are mines.
  • The keys in the drawer are mines.

In these sentences, “mines” is used to show that multiple books and keys belong to the speaker.

4. “Mine’s”

• “Mine’s” is a contraction of either “mine is” or “mine has.” It combines the possessive pronoun “mine” with the verb “is” or “has.”Examples:
  • That car over there is mine’s. (Meaning: That car is mine.)
  • Mine’s the one with the red cover. (Meaning: The one with the red cover is mine.)
  • I can’t find my phone. Oh, there it is! Mine’s been here the whole time. (Meaning: My phone has been here the whole time.)

In these sentences, “mine’s” is used to indicate ownership or possession along with the verb “is” or “has.”

Conclusion

Understanding the differences between “my,” “mine,” “mines,” and “mine’s” is crucial for effective communication in English. “My” indicates ownership by the speaker, “mine” stands alone to show possession, “mines” is the plural form of “mine,” and “mine’s” is a contraction used with verbs. By mastering these distinctions, you’ll be well-equipped to express ownership and possession accurately in your English conversations. Keep practicing, and your English language skills will continue to improve.

Exercises to test your knowledge of My, Mine, Mines, and Mine’s

Exercise 1: Choose the Correct Possessive Pronoun

Fill in the blanks with the appropriate possessive pronoun: “My,” “Mine,” “Mines,” or “Mine’s.”

1. That puppy is __________, and this one is __________.
2. Is this your backpack? No, it’s __________.
3. These are __________ keys; those are __________.
4. The blue bicycle is __________, and the red one is __________.
5. __________ phone is ringing; please answer it.
6. This is __________ favorite song.
7. The book on the table is __________.

✍ Answers (Exercise 1)

1. That puppy is mine, and this one is yours.
2. Is this your backpack? No, it’s mine.
3. These are my keys; those are yours.
4. The blue bicycle is mine, and the red one is yours.
5. My phone is ringing; please answer it.
6. This is my favorite song.
7. The book on the table is mine.

Exercise 2: Transforming Sentences

Rewrite the following sentences using possessive pronouns. Start with the given sentence and transform it to use “My,” “Mine,” “Mines,” or “Mine’s.”

1. The house belongs to me.
   • ______________ house.
2. Is that your computer or mine?
   • Is that your computer or ______________?
3. These are my shoes, and those are your shoes.
   • These are ______________ shoes, and those are ______________.
4. This is my cat, and that is your cat.
   • This is ______________ cat, and that is ______________.
5. The car in the garage is mine.
   • The car in the garage is ______________.

✍ Answers (Exercise 2)

1. My house.
2. Is that your computer or mine?
3. These are my shoes, and those are yours.
4. This is my cat, and that is yours.
5. The car in the garage is mine.

Exercise 3: Completing Sentences

Complete the following sentences with the appropriate possessive pronoun: “My,” “Mine,” “Mines,” or “Mine’s.”

1. The book on the shelf is __________.
2. Is this bicycle __________ or __________?
3. These cookies are delicious; they’re __________ favorite.
4. __________ keys were in the drawer all along.
5. I can’t find my umbrella; I think I left it at __________ office.
6. The painting on the wall is beautiful; it’s __________.

✍ Answers (Exercise 3)

1. The book on the shelf is mine.
2. Is this bicycle yours or mine?
3. These cookies are delicious; they’re my favorite.
4. My keys were in the drawer all along.
5. I can’t find my umbrella; I think I left it at my office.
6. The painting on the wall is beautiful; it’s mine.

Exercise 4: Mixed Sentences

In this exercise, you’ll encounter a mix of sentences that require you to choose the correct possessive pronoun.

1. __________ favorite restaurant is closed today.
2. Is this pen __________ or __________?
3. The movie we watched last night was __________ choice.
4. These are not your shoes; they’re __________.
5. That big house is __________; it’s been in the family for generations.
6. I’m looking for my keys; have you seen __________?

✍ Answers (Exercise 4)

1. My favorite restaurant is closed today.
2. Is this pen yours or mine?
3. The movie we watched last night was my choice.
4. These are not your shoes; they’re mine.
5. That big house is mine; it’s been in the family for generations.
6. I’m looking for my keys; have you seen them?