When English students first learn Possessive Adjectives, they should feel encouraged. There are only seven forms: my, your, his, her, its, our, & their. That’s all! Many European languages have 14 – 20+ forms, depending on whether the noun is singular, plural, male or female. 

The rules are simple:

♦ Possessive Adjectives always go before the noun; just like articles (the, a, an)  and like most adjectives.

♦ Possessive Adjectives are never used alone.

♦Possessive Adjectives are adjectives which show ownership. They give information about the noun in the same way as other adjectives. 

Unlike with many languages, you don’t have to work out if the noun is singular, plural, male, or female. Have a look at the following examples describing the picture:

♦ I took this photo with my camera.  (the camera; new camera, red camera.)

♦ She is my daughter, her name is Olivia and she had just finished her lunch. 

♦ My husband Anthony and I had also finished our lunch. 

♦ Anthony really enjoyed his meal.

♦ The waiter is looking at a bird which is trying to eat food from a nearby table. The customers are not happy! The bird thinks that their food is its food. 

♦The waiter cleared the/our table after asking us, “Have you finished your meal? Shall I take your plates?”

As with all new vocabulary, don’t expect to remember it after seeing or hearing it once or twice. You need to practise, practise, practise! The best way to practise is to sing songs. Just listening to songs is not enough. It’s important to read the lyrics while you listen and it’s even better if you sing with the singer.

Learning a language is all about Input and Output. Input is what goes into your brain via listening and reading. Output is what you can produce from what you have learned. It comes out of your brain via speaking,  or writing.

Photo by Bruce Mars

∗ Listening is one approach to improving input.

∗    Reading is a second approach.

∗  Singing is a third approach because you are listening and perhaps reading the lyrics while you are singing. 

By singing along with a singer for 3-4 minutes, your English input is multiplied by three, and you improve three skills! This is the most valuable way you can spend a few minutes to learn a new language. Don’t you agree?

Do you have time for a 4 minute English lesson now?  … Yes? Excellent! I have a perfect song for you! It’s by Ed Sheeran and the name of the song is “Perfect”. Click here for the official video. Click here for the video with lyrics.

Here are the lyrics with the Possessive Adjectives highlighted in bold green, nouns in pink: 

Song: Perfect  by Ed Sheeran

I found a love for me.
Darling, just dive right in
And follow my lead.
Well, I found a girl, beautiful and sweet.
I never knew you were the someone waiting for me.

‘Cause we were just kids when we fell in love
Not knowing what it was.
I will not give you up this time.
Darling, just kiss me slow; your heart is all I own
And in your eyes, you’re holding mine.

Baby, I’m dancing in the dark with you between my arms
Barefoot on the grass;  listening to our favorite song.
When you said you looked a mess, I whispered underneath my breath
But you heard it, darling; you look perfect tonight.

Well, I found a woman, stronger than anyone I know.
She shares my dreams. I hope that someday I’ll share her home.
I found a love to carry more than just my secrets,
To carry love, to carry children of our own.

We are still kids, but we’re so in love,
Fighting against all odds.
I know we’ll be alright this time.
Darling, just hold my hand.
Be my girl; I’ll be your man.
I see my future in your eyes.

Baby, I’m dancing in the dark, with you between my arms,
Barefoot on the grass, listening to our favorite song.
When I saw you in that dress, looking so beautiful.
I don’t deserve this, darling, you look perfect tonight.

Baby, I’m dancing in the dark, with you between my arms,
Barefoot on the grass, listening to our favorite song.
I have faith in what I see.
Now I know I have met an angel in person
And she looks perfect.
No, I don’t deserve this.
You look perfect tonight.