The word “my” has multiple functions in English texts and verbal communication. It can be classified as a determiner, an adjective, an interjection, or a pronoun.

 

1. Determiner

This word is categorized under determiners when it is placed before noun, in order to express possession and show the specific example that is being referred to in the sentence. In the sample sentence below:

My science book is in the shelf.

The word “my” precedes the noun “science book” to show ownership and emphasize the particular example that is being talked about in the text.

Definition:

a. belonging to or associated with the speaker

• Example:
• My name is Karla.

 

2. Adjective

In some cases, the word “my” is classified as an adjective because it can be used to modify a noun. Take for example, the sentence below:

When I woke up, my throat was sore.

The word “my” is considered as an adjective that modifies the noun “throat.”

Definition:

a. relating to or belonging to me; made or done by me

• Example:
• I enjoy my job very much.

 

3. Interjection

There are also other times wherein the word “my” is considered as a an interjection because it can be used to exclaim or express sudden bursts of emotions. For example, in the sentence below:

My! What a big farm this is!

The word “my” is an interjection that somehow suggests surprise.

Definition:

a. used as an exclamation of mild surprise or dismay

• Example:
• My! how old he looks!

 

4. Pronoun

Sometimes, it is also considered as a possessive pronoun, which can be used instead of the name of the speaker. For instance, in this sample sentence:

My soup is cold.

The word “my” substitutes the noun that owns the “soup.”

Definition:

a. a form of the possessive case of “I,” used as an attributive adjective

• Example:
• My bag is full.