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His refers to the male animal or person. In this lesson, we will discuss when and how to use it.
1. 'His' as a Possessive Determiner
Use
His as a possessive determiner is used to modify the following noun. Here are its uses:
His is used to show the possessions of a male animal or person. For example:
His book is on the shelf.
Alan is a hardworking man. His effort was paid off finally.
'His' is used to refer to 'Alan.'
His can be generic. His is used to refer to a person without saying their gender. Look:
Everybody should know his responsibilities.
'His' is generic.
His, in some religions, is used to refer to God. Remember that His is always written with a capital 'H'. For example:
His beneficence is unforgettable.
Surely His world is full of beauty.
Royal 'His'
His is also used to refer to someone of a royal family, like kings, princes, dukes, etc. Take a look at the following example:
His Majesty, I know how difficult is the situation.
Position in a Sentence
His as a possessive determiner is used before nouns or noun phrases. Look:
His book is over there.
'His' is used before the noun 'book.'
2. 'His' as a Possessive Pronoun
Use
His as a possessive pronoun is generally used to refer to the connections and possessions of a male person or animal. Look:
His as a possessive pronoun is used to talk about things that a male person or animal owns. For example:
I couldn't believe that the car was his.
The mug with blueprints on it, is his.
His is used to refer to a male person's relationships like family, friends, colleagues, etc. Have a look:
My colleagues aren't friendly, but his are.
His mother always interferes with everything but not his.
The first 'his' is a possessive determiner because it precedes a noun but the second 'his' is a possessive pronoun.
His is also used to refer to body parts. Take a look at the following examples:
Normally bones heal faster, but not his.
'His' means 'his bones.'
He brought his mother to get her ears check but his were in a worst condition.
The second 'his' is a possessive pronoun.
Position in a Sentence
His as a possessive pronoun replaces a noun. Remember that the verb after his agrees with the antecedent. Here are some examples:
I have brought your book, but not his.
'His' is an object for the verb 'bring.'
My computer works but his does not work.
'His' is a subject.
'His' and the Preposition 'of'
In the structure determiner + noun + of + his, the noun becomes indefinite. This structure is used to show possession. Look:
Fred and that brother of his are always after some trouble.
A sister of his is a doctor.
We do not know which sister.
Another structure is determiner + noun + of + his own. This structure emphasizes that something belongs to a male person or animal. Look:
He wants a pet of his own.
'A pet that belongs only to him.'
A hamster of his own ran away the other night.
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