Possessive pronouns already indicate possession/ ownership, that is why they do not need apostrophes:
My essay – essay belonging to me/ essay written by me.
That computer is mine - that computer belongs to me.
As you can see from these simple examples possessive pronouns have two forms: my/ mine. The possessive pronoun “my” is a dependent form, used to modify nouns. The form is called a conjoint form as the pronoun always comes before a noun. The possessive pronoun “mine” is used independently, without a noun that is why this form is defined as absolute.
| Conjoint form |
Absolute form |
| my |
mine |
| your |
yours |
| his |
his |
| her |
hers |
| Its |
its |
| our |
ours |
| their |
theirs |
MIND: it’s and its have absolutely different meanings. Look at these examples:
It’s a great opportunity for you. Do not miss it. (Here it’s = contraction for it is)
The puppy is hungry, put some food in its bowl. (its bowl= bowl belonging to the puppy).
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