ENGLISH
REFERENCE

my

det. · interj.
  1. 1 belonging to me (det.)
    A1 Beginner

    used to show that something belongs to you or is connected to you.

    the first-person singular possessive determiner. It precedes a noun to indicate ownership, relationship, or association.

    Example

    I need to find my keys before we can leave the house.

    Example

    I left my umbrella on the train this morning, so I had to run through the rain to get to the office.

    Usage

    Always placed before the noun it modifies.

    Teacher's tip

    Ensure students do not confuse 'my' with the pronoun 'mine'.
    Pitfall
    I like mine car.
    I like my car.

    Use 'my' before a noun; use 'mine' when there is no noun following it.

  2. 2 expressing surprise (interj.)
    B1 Intermediate Informal

    used to show that you are surprised or impressed.

    an exclamation used to express surprise, amazement, or mild shock. Often used in the phrase 'Oh my'.

    Example

    My, you have grown so much since the last time I saw you.

    Example

    My, what a spectacular view you have from this balcony.

    Usage

    Often appears as 'My, my' or 'Oh my'.

    Teacher's tip

    This can sound slightly old-fashioned or polite depending on the speaker's tone.

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