English Possessives
Showing ownership with possessive adjectives and pronouns. Adapted for English. This English reference focuses on recognition, lookup, and practical reading rather than drills.
Rule 1: Show ownership
Use this section to show ownership in English. Check the example sentence, then compare the form with the surrounding words before applying the pattern elsewhere.
Rule 2: Match possessed nouns
Use this section to match possessed nouns in English. Check the example sentence, then compare the form with the surrounding words before applying the pattern elsewhere.
Rule 3: Distinguish adjective and pronoun use
Use this section to distinguish adjective and pronoun use in English. Check the example sentence, then compare the form with the surrounding words before applying the pattern elsewhere.
Examples
I understood the rule in this example.
I understood the rule in this example.
Use this as a English lookup example for ownership.
The form changes according to context.
The form changes according to context.
Use this as a English lookup example for belonging.
English lookup checklist
| Question | What to check |
|---|---|
| Meaning | What does the form contribute to the sentence? |
| Agreement | Does it match person, number, gender, case, or tense? |
| Position | Does placement change emphasis or grammatical role? |
Common Mistakes
- Do not translate the English pattern word-for-word from English.
- Check the whole phrase before deciding what a single form means.
- Watch for register: a correct written form can sound too formal in casual speech.
Lookup Tips
- Start with the example closest to your sentence.
- Identify the trigger word or ending before memorizing a rule.
- Save the topic as a focus if you expect to revisit it.