Word
his
US/ˈhɪz/
UK/hˈɪz/
Definition
pron. belonging to a man or boy who has already been mentioned. You use it to show that something is owned by him.
pron. the third-person singular masculine possessive pronoun or determiner. Used to indicate possession or association with a male subject previously identified.
Examples
“He left his keys on the table.”
“The doctor asked the patient to describe his symptoms in detail during the physical examination.”
“While the architect designed the exterior of the building, his primary focus remained on the structural integrity of the foundation rather than the aesthetic finish.”
Examples
simple
“He left his keys on the table.”
contextual
“The doctor asked the patient to describe his symptoms in detail during the physical examination.”
complex
“While the architect designed the exterior of the building, his primary focus remained on the structural integrity of the foundation rather than the aesthetic finish.”
Usage
Functions as both a possessive determiner (before a noun) and a possessive pronoun (standing alone).
Pitfall
The book is he's.
The book is his.
Learners often confuse the possessive 'his' with the contraction 'he's' (he is/he has).
Related words
Grammar
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- A1 · BeginnerOxford
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/his