The possessive adjective of first person singular is my.
What Are Possessive Adjectives?
Possessive adjectives are words that modify a noun to show ownership or possession. They tell us who something belongs to. Unlike possessive pronouns, which can stand alone, possessive adjectives always come before a noun.
The First Person Singular Possessive Adjective: "My"
The possessive adjective for the first person singular is my. This adjective specifically denotes possession by the speaker or writer, indicating that something belongs to "me." It is a versatile word used for both men and women, regardless of the gender of the speaker or the noun it modifies.
Here are examples of "my" in use:
- "This is my dog."
- "These are my dogs."
- "My car is parked outside."
- "I love my family."
Notice that "my" does not change its form whether the noun it modifies is singular ("dog") or plural ("dogs").
Possessive Adjectives in English at a Glance
To provide further context, here's a table illustrating "my" alongside other common possessive adjectives for different persons:
| Person | Possessive Adjective | Example |
|---|---|---|
| First Person Singular | My | My book, my house |
| Second Person Singular/Plural | Your | Your phone, your ideas |
| Third Person Singular (Male) | His | His car, his opinion |
| Third Person Singular (Female) | Her | Her dress, her work |
| Third Person Singular (Neutral/Non-human) | Its | Its color, its purpose |
| First Person Plural | Our | Our team, our goals |
| Third Person Plural | Their | Their home, their decision |
Key Characteristics and Usage Tips
- Placement: Possessive adjectives always appear directly before the noun they modify.
- Invariance: They do not change form based on the number (singular or plural) of the noun they modify. For example, it's "my cat" and "my cats."
- Agreement: They agree with the owner (the person) not the thing owned. For instance, "my" is used because the owner is "I" (first person singular), regardless of whether the owned item is masculine, feminine, singular, or plural.
For a comprehensive guide on possessive adjectives and their use in English grammar, you can refer to reputable English grammar resources.
