yours - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
yours Word Meanings
- Used to indicate that something belongs to you.
- Stands as the possessive pronoun for you when the noun is understood or omitted.
- In questions of ownership, as in Is this book yours, it means it belongs to you.
yours Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
yours Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/jɔːz/
US
/jɔɹz/
yours Word Etymology
Root decomposition: the base form you; add the possessive suffix -s to form the independent possessive pronoun yours. Historical origin: from Old English eower, the genitive of ge you, with later development into an independent possessive pronoun in Middle English. Memory image: imagine stamping a letter with yours to mark ownership.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Yours is the independent possessive pronoun for you. It replaces a noun when the owner is clear from context, so you can say 'Is this book yours?' instead of 'Is this book your?' The word marks ownership without repeating the noun, and it stands alone as a pronoun after a verb or in response, as in 'That bag isn't mine, it's yours.' Remember that 'yours' contrasts with 'your,' which is a possessive determiner used before a noun, as in 'your book.' In everyday conversation, use yours when the noun is understood or previously mentioned, to keep speech concise and natural.
Usage Reminders
- 1. Yours is an independent pronoun, not a determiner.
- 2. Do not say 'Is this book your?'—use yours or 'your book' depending on context.
- 3. Use yours after a verb or in replies to indicate ownership.
- 4. Compare with 'your' to avoid common mix-ups.
- 5. In short answers, you can say 'It is yours.'
Common Misconceptions
- Yours can modify a noun like your; it cannot.
- Think 'yours' always means something new you own; it often refers to something already understood.
- Mixing up yours with yours truly or other possessives.
- Using 'yours' as a subject or object with an explicit noun is incorrect.
- For formal writing, always prefer 'your' before nouns; 'yours' is for standalone use.
Thinking Differences
English uses a short independent pronoun here; learners often confuse it with your and misplace it in sentences. Emphasize its stand-alone function after verbs or in answers.
Learning Tips
- Practice distinguishing yours from your in everyday speech.
- Practice with questions and short answers.
- Pair 'yours' with a noun when it improves clarity.
- Use examples from daily life (books, bags, phones).
- Listen for natural intonation in ownership questions.
- Write a quick dialogue using yours to replace nouns.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence below uses 'yours' correctly?
A.The dog barks yours.
B.The tree in the room is yours.
C.The book on the table is yours.
D.The car drives yours.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'yours'?
A.Moon
B.His
C.Fast
D.Happy
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'yours'?
A.Mine
B.Yellow
C.Old
D.Big
Step 5: Mastery
Can you give an example of a real-life scenario of 'yours'?
A.He returned the book that belongs to them.
B.She created a painting for her friends.
C.They went to the beach to swim.
D.I fixed the car that is not mine.
Related Listening
🔥 Advanced
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