Mine

'Mine' is a possessive pronoun of 'I'. In this part, we will go through its uses and grammatical rules in English grammar.

Mine is a possessive pronoun and it is first-person singular. Mine is used to avoid repetition in a sentence. In this lesson, we will discuss when and how to use it.

'Mine' as a Possessive Pronoun

Use

Mine is used to refer to the speaker's belongings and possessions; however, it has more functions. Take a look at the following examples:

Mine is used to talk about things the speaker owns or possesses. Take a look at the following examples:

I don't know about that coat, but this is mine.

'Mine' refers to the speaker's coat.

Please don't touch the red glass. It's mine.

'Mine' as an object replaces 'the red glass.'

Mine is used when the speaker wants to refer to their relationships, like parents, sister, friend, etc. Have a look:

Your sister is more successful than mine.

'Mine' means 'my sister.'

I'm so happy that your mom was accepted. Mine wasn't.

'Mine' refers to 'my mom.'

Mine is used to refer to body parts. For example:

His hair looks amazing. Mine looks boring.

'Mine' refers to 'my hair.'

Mine is used to talk about the speaker's feelings, thoughts, ideas, etc. Here are some examples:

He always talks about how his feelings are hurt but he never acknowledges mine.

He stole my idea. I can't say that it was mine.

'Mine' s used to avoid the repetition of 'my idea.'

Tip

We also use mine to refer to left or right. Have a look:

Is it on your left or mine?

'Mine' refers to 'my left.'

Position in a Sentence

Mine as a possessive pronoun replaces a noun. Remember that mine is a 3rd person pronoun and depending on its antecedent, it takes plural or singular verbs. Here are some examples:

Do you like your food? Mine is a little bland.

'Mine' takes the singular verb 'is' because it refers to 'your food.'

I'm hearing complaints about the new devices, but mine work well.

'Mine' refers to 'devices', so it take the verb 'work.'

'Mine' and the Preposition 'of'

Possessive determiners make the following noun definite like 'my friend' but the possessive pronoun 'mine' in the pattern below, makes the following noun, indefinite:
determiner + noun + of + mine

A friend of mine is buying a new phone.

'A friend of mine' means no matter which friend.

I need to visit an aunt of mine.

But 'I need to visit my aunt' is definite.

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