A pronoun which substitutes a noun to show possession or ownership is called a possessive pronoun.

However, unlike a possessive noun, a possessive pronoun does not show possession by adding an apostrophe (') and an -s.

• Mother's recipe
  her recipe

• The cat's tail
  its tail

• The boys' room
  their room

The possessive pronouns my, our, your, his, her, its, and their are used before the objects possessed or owned.

• our house

• your hat

• my dress

The possessive pronouns mine, yours, theirs, his, hers, and ours are used alone without mentioning the objects possessed or owned.

• The magazine belongs to me. It is mine.

• The new bike is owned by Nancy. It is hers.

Possessive pronouns must agree in number and gender with their antecedents.

Correct:

Jake and Bill study in Grade V. They study in Grade V.

Janet played with her doll.

Incorrect:

Jake and Bill study in Grade V. He studies in Grade V.

Janet played with his doll.