# my

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/my
Updated: 2026-07-09

## Senses

### 1. belonging to me

determiner · CEFR A1

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

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

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

Teaching tip: Ensure students do not confuse 'my' with the pronoun 'mine'.

### 2. expressing surprise

interjection · CEFR B1 · Informal

used to show that you are surprised or impressed.

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

- My, you have grown so much since the last time I saw you.
- My, what a spectacular view you have from this balcony.

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

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

## Examples

- I need to find my keys before we leave.
- I left my umbrella on the bus this morning, so I had to walk home in the rain.
- In my professional opinion, the proposed changes to the infrastructure will yield significant long-term benefits despite the initial costs.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.