Video: Possessive Pronouns & Contractions

Using Apostrophes for Contractions

A contraction is the result of the merging of two words wherein one or more letters are removed in the process and an apostrophe (') takes their place instead. From its root word "contract," its purpose is to shorten words as we write and speak. Contractions are often used in informal communication. One should avoid using them when it comes to formal writing.

The most commonly used contractions are the following:

• I'm - I am
• You're - You are
• He's - He is
• It's - It is
• We're - We are
• They're - They are
• Don't - Do not
• Can't - Can not
• Won't - Will not

Understanding Possessive Pronouns

A possessive pronoun, on the other hand, is a type of pronoun that indicates ownership. They do not contain apostrophes. The words "my," "mine," "your," "yours," "his," "her," "hers," "its," "their," "theirs," "our," "ours," and "whose" are all possessive pronouns.

Let's look at some sentences with possessive pronouns in use.

• "That is my book." or "The book is mine."
• "That is her car." or "The car is hers."
• "That is their house." or "The house is theirs."

Distinguishing Between Contractions and Possessive Pronouns

As possessive pronouns do not have apostrophes, they will serve as clues to tell them apart from contractions. Following this rule, words such as "her's," "our's," and "their's" are considered incorrect.

However, certain contractions sound like possessive pronouns, and it is important to note their main difference.

"its" and "it's"

• "It's going to rain today." - contraction (It is)
• "The cat chased its tail." - possessive pronoun

"there's" and "theirs"

• "There's one more week of spring." - contraction (There is)
• "The child is theirs." - possessive pronoun

"you're" and "your"

• "You're going to have to study." - contraction (You are)
• "Your dinner is ready." - possessive pronoun

"who's" and "whose"

• "Who's knocking on the door?" - contraction (Who is)
• "Whose pen is this?" - possessive pronoun

Indefinite Pronouns and Apostrophes

Another type of pronoun called an indefinite pronoun, such as "everyone," "anybody," or "somebody," uses an apostrophe to show possession. For example, "Everyone's books are in the classroom."