It is to be noted that the possessive pronouns are complete without the apostrophe; for example, my, mine, our, ours, her, hers, Us, their, theirs, whose. We must not confuse it's (it is) with the pronoun its.

Exercises

224. The correct use of the possessive pronouns is illustrated in the following sentences. Be prepared to copy them from dictation.

1. Whose do you prefer, his, mine, or yours?

2. We left ours and took theirs.

3. The chicken that flapped its wings is hers.

4. Hers is much better than theirs.

226. In copying the following sentences, supply the apostrophe where it is necessary:

1. Why is his list so much longer than yours ?

2. This mornings paper says its going to rain.

3. The clothing in the lockers is theirs.

4. My book has come out of its covers.

5. This school, with its excellent equipment, is ours.

6. The purse was not hers, as I afterward found out.

7. Theyre planning to take their rifles.

226. In the last theme you have written, look for mistakes in possessive pronouns.

227. Write a conversation (1) between two girls who are making arrangements for a party, or (2) between two boys who are planning to organize a baseball team. In revising, watch the possessive pronoun.