His

Definition

The word 'his' is a possessive pronoun used to indicate ownership or association with a male person or entity. It serves to specify that something belongs to or is connected with the male subject being referred to, highlighting relationships in communication. As a pronoun, it is part of the minor word classes that help express grammatical relationships without adding additional lexical meaning.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 'His' is used exclusively for male antecedents, making it gender-specific.
2. In sentences, 'his' can function as a determiner when modifying nouns, such as in 'his book' or 'his ideas'.
3. 'His' can also function as an independent pronoun in contexts where the noun it refers to has already been established.
4. The use of 'his' can contribute to clarity and conciseness in writing by avoiding repetition of nouns.
5. 'His' can also be found in various expressions and phrases that convey possession or association in informal and formal contexts.

Review Questions

• How does 'his' function within a sentence as a pronoun and as a determiner?
  • 'His' functions as a possessive pronoun when it replaces a noun that represents a male owner, such as in the phrase 'This is his.' As a determiner, it modifies a noun directly, like in 'his car,' clarifying ownership while providing essential information about the subject. This dual role helps maintain clarity in communication and avoids redundancy by indicating possession without repeatedly naming the noun.
• Discuss how using 'his' impacts sentence structure and coherence when conveying ideas.
  • 'His' enhances sentence structure by clearly attributing ownership to a male individual, making it easier for readers or listeners to follow who possesses what. This contributes to coherence because it helps avoid confusion caused by vague references. By effectively linking nouns and subjects through the use of 'his,' sentences become more straightforward and engaging, allowing for smoother communication.
• Evaluate the importance of using gender-specific pronouns like 'his' in contemporary language and communication.
  • Using gender-specific pronouns like 'his' remains significant in contemporary language as they help to specify and clarify relationships between subjects and their possessions. However, it raises discussions about inclusivity and gender neutrality in modern communication. As society evolves toward recognizing diverse gender identities, the conversation around using pronouns like 'his' highlights the need for sensitivity in language choices while still maintaining clarity when referring to traditional gender norms.

Related terms

Pronoun: A word that takes the place of a noun in a sentence, representing people, objects, or ideas.

Possessive: A form that indicates ownership or belonging, often modified by pronouns or nouns.

Subject: The noun, pronoun, or phrase that performs the action of the verb in a sentence.