Possessive Adjectives Worksheets

Related ELA Standard: L.3.2.D

Core Standard
Answer Keys Here

When we have a noun that we wish to portray a sense of ownership of we will often use possessive adjectives to do so. These adjectives are technically a form of pronoun that casts a sense of value or control over. For example, in the sentence: I think Candice will miss her dance class tonight. The word “her” serves as the possessive adjective, yet it is a pronoun. That dual threat of classification causes a good source of confusion for students. In most cases this part of speech is used to establish a relation or relationship. If we think about this when looking back about our sentence about Candice. She did not own the dance class; it is implied that she was a member of the class. This is an example of how a relationship between Candice and her dance class was formed in that sentence. This cache of worksheets will help students understand the use and form of possessive adjectives in sentences.

Possessive Adjectives Worksheets:

Word Fills - Choose a word from the box to complete each sentence. Note how each of these words establishes a sense of a relationship.

On The Line - On the line write the best term that could be used in the second sentence. Follow the example that is provided.

A or B? - Choose the correct word to complete each sentence. Write its letter on the line. This is a simple two choice option for you, just circle it.

Sentence Rewrites - Rewrite each sentence to demonstrate a relationship or sense of ownership over something.

Which Gender - Does the word apply to males (M), females (F), both (B), or neither (N)? Write the correct letter on the line next to each of key terms.

Family Tree - Study the family tree. Fill in the blanks with the correct word that is related to the concept of family.

Complete Conversations - Choose the correct words to complete each conversation. Each piece of dialogue is two line long.

Word Placement - Choose a term of your choice to complete each sentence. You may use a word more than once.

Wait a Second - Rewrite the second sentence in each pair using a the technique we are exploring here. You can even rewrite them into a single sentence.

In Parentheses - Write original sentences about the subjects in parentheses. Include a word that establishes a relationship or feeling of ownership in each sentence.

Subject Pronouns - Write the possessive adjective that goes with each subject pronoun. Then work on the second sentence in each case.

Editing Practice - Find the error in each sentence. Write the word that is missing from each statement on all of the lines.

Get Original - Write original sentences about the subjects in parentheses. This gives you a chance to show off your cleverness and get after it.

What Is It? - You will start off by just producing a single word or phrase. Take your time with this one.

Word Usage - This is a two parter. You start by shortening sentences. You will then choose the correct words to complete each conversation.

What Are Possessive Adjectives


Possessive adjectives are also sometimes called the determiners. These types of adjectives are used to modify nouns with the help of possessions. They depict the element of possession or a sense of belonging. The possessions could refer to anyone from a person to thing.

The form of possession helps in expressing a close relationship of something with someone. Another purpose for the use of these types of words is to show definiteness. This purpose is fulfilled by the possessive adjective "the". The most common forms of these words in the English language includes its, her, his, your, our, my, their, and whose. "Whose" is the interrogative possessive adjective. This means that it asks a question that is to be answered.

Examples

Here are some examples of the possessive adjectives that will clear the concept.

Whose car is this?

In this sentence, the term "whose" is used which is also an interrogative. It is used to express the ownership of the car.

That is his basketball.

In this sentence, the term to highlight is "his". It is used to show ownership of the basketball.

I think Ashley will miss her flight.

In this sentence, the word "her" is used. It does not mean that Ashley owns the flight. It is only used to show a relationship between Ashley and the flight. It tells us that it is the flight that Ashley will take.

My father is here.

In this sentence, the word "my" is used. One cannot own the other person so it does not show ownership. Rather, it only depicts a close personal relationship with the father.


The Difference Between Possessive Adjectives and Possessive Pronouns


Possessive adjectives and pronouns may seem similar. Yes they are both used to describe a feeling of ownership or direct relationships. It is easy to confuse them as one. However, you only have to remember that possessive pronouns are used in place of the noun. Where as the adjective form is always trailed by a noun.