Proper Phrase: “Your And My” Vs. “Yours And My”
When it comes to possessive pronouns, it is important to use the correct phrase in order to maintain grammatical accuracy. The phrase “your and my” is the proper way to combine the possessive pronouns “your” and “my” when they both modify the same noun.
This is because “your” and “my” are possessive adjectives, and when two possessive adjectives are used together, they should be linked with the coordinating conjunction “and.” Therefore, “your and my” is the correct phrase to indicate joint possession.
Reliability of Google/Ngram Results
While Google and Ngram results can be a valuable tool for researching language usage and trends, it is important to consider their limitations and potential inaccuracies. The reliability of Google/Ngram results may vary, and they should not be solely relied upon as the ultimate authority on grammatical correctness.
Other factors, such as the source and quality of the texts used for analysis, can affect the accuracy of the results. It is always advisable to cross-reference information obtained from Google/Ngram with other reputable sources to ensure reliability.
Correct Phrase: “Yours And His” In The Same Clause
Contrary to popular belief, the phrase “yours and his” is indeed the correct usage when combining two possessive pronouns in the same clause. This is because “yours” and “his” are possessive pronouns, which function as stand-alone words that replace a noun or noun phrase.
When two possessive pronouns are used together, they should be linked with the coordinating conjunction “and.” Therefore, “yours and his” is the proper phrase to indicate the joint ownership or possession of two individuals.
Incorrect Usage: “Your And His” With Pronouns
It is important to note that the phrase “your and his” should not be used when combining the possessive adjective “your” with the possessive pronoun “his.” This is because “your” is a possessive adjective that groups with nouns and not with other pronouns. Instead, “your” should be used when the possession is attributed solely to the person being addressed.
For example, “Is this your book and his?” is incorrect when referring to the ownership of two individuals. In such cases, it is important to replace “your” with the respective possessive pronoun, “yours.”
Use of “Yours” When Modifying the Same Noun
When two possessive pronouns are used to modify the same noun, it is essential to use the word “yours” instead of the possessive pronoun “your.” This is because “yours” acts as a possessive pronoun that replaces the noun and indicates ownership jointly with another possessive pronoun. For instance, “Is this book yours and his?” This construction correctly implies that the book belongs to two individuals.
Examples to Clarify Usage
To further clarify the proper usage of possessive pronouns, let’s examine a few examples:
- Correct: “Is this pen yours and mine?”
- Correct: “We should take care of our and your responsibilities.”
- Incorrect: “Is this your and his car?” (should be “yours and his”)
From these examples, it is evident that “yours and mine” and “our and your” are the correct phrasings when expressing joint ownership or possession, while “your and his” is an incorrect combination.
Correct Usage: “Yours And His” for Shared Ownership
When two possessive pronouns are used in a sentence to indicate shared ownership or possession of an object, it is crucial to use the phrase “yours and his.” This construction accurately conveys that the object is jointly possessed by two individuals. For example: “These keys are yours and his.” This clearly implies that both individuals have a share in the ownership of the keys.
Written Vs. Spoken English: “Your And His” in Conversation
In conversational settings, native speakers often use the phrase “your and his” instead of “yours and his” when combining possessive pronouns. Although this usage is not considered grammatically correct in written English, it is widely accepted and commonly used in informal conversations.
For example, someone may say, “Is this your and his favorite restaurant?” This variation is a result of the spoken language’s tendency to employ shortcuts and simplify grammar rules.
In conclusion, proper usage of possessive pronouns is vital for clear and accurate communication. While “your and my” is the correct phrase, Google/Ngram results may not always be reliable sources of information.
“Yours and his” is the accurate variation when two possessive pronouns own the same object, while “your and his” is commonly utilized in spoken English but is not considered correct in written English. Using the correct phrase ensures grammatical correctness and enhances language proficiency.
