French Possessive Adjectives: Quick Guide
French possessive adjectives can be tricky for English speakers, as they agree with the noun they modify rather than the possessor. This guide will help you understand and use them correctly.
Basic Rules
- French possessive adjectives agree in gender and number with the noun they modify.
- They do not change based on the gender of the possessor (unlike in English with "his" and "her").
Singular Possessive Adjectives
| Person | Masculine | Feminine | Before Vowel/Silent H | |--------|-----------|----------|-----------------------| | My | mon | ma | mon | | Your | ton | ta | ton | | His/Her| son | sa | son |
Plural Possessive Adjectives
| Person | Plural (Both Genders) | |--------|----------------------| | My | mes | | Your | tes | | His/Her| ses |
Usage Examples
- Mon livre (my book) - masculine
- Ma voiture (my car) - feminine
- Mon amie (my friend) - feminine, but uses "mon" before a vowel
- Mes livres (my books) - plural
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using the wrong gender: "ma livre" instead of "mon livre"
- Forgetting to use "mon" before feminine nouns starting with a vowel
- Changing the adjective based on the possessor's gender
Practice Sentences
- J'aime son chien. (I like his/her dog.)
- Où sont tes clés ? (Where are your keys?)
- Nous visitons notre appartement. (We are visiting our apartment.)
Remember, practice is key to mastering French possessive adjectives. Try creating your own sentences to reinforce these rules.