Was ist his? Verwendung auf Englisch

Okay, let's break down how to use the word "his" in English. It's a possessive pronoun, meaning it shows ownership. Here's a detailed explanation:

1. Basic Definition and Function:

• Possessive Pronoun: "His" indicates that something belongs to a male person. It's like saying "belonging to him."
• Referring to a male: It almost always refers to a male individual.

2. Placement in a Sentence:

• As a Pronoun: “His” acts as a pronoun, replacing a noun that has already been mentioned.
  • Example: "John is a talented musician. His music is beautiful." (Instead of saying “The music that belongs to John…” – “His” is more concise.)
• Preceding a Noun: It usually comes before the noun it’s modifying.
  • Example: “His car is red.” (The car belongs to him.)
  • Example: “She admired his work.” (The work belongs to him.)

3. Common Uses & Examples:

• Possession of Objects: This is the most common use.
  • "He bought a new bicycle. His bicycle is blue."
  • "They repaired the computer. His computer was broken."
• Possession of Characteristics: It can describe qualities or characteristics that belong to someone.
  • "He is a kind man. His kindness is appreciated."
  • "She found him to be a helpful person. His help was invaluable."
• Possession of Pets/Animals:
  • "He loves dogs. His dog is very playful."
• Referring to a Male in a Relationship (Romantic or Familial):
  • "She is married to him. His family is welcoming."
  • "He is her brother. His presence makes her happy."

4. Important Notes and Considerations:

• Gendered Pronoun: "His" is specifically for male individuals. For female individuals, you use “her.” (e.g., “She is a talented writer. Her writing is captivating.”)
• Don't Overuse: While "his" is essential, try to vary your sentence structure. Sometimes rephrasing for clarity can make your writing stronger.
• “His or Her” (and increasingly, “Their”): When referring to a person of unknown or mixed gender, or when you want to be inclusive, use “their” as a singular pronoun. "Their" is becoming increasingly accepted and used.
  • Example (traditional): "If it's his decision, he needs to make it. If it’s her decision, she needs to make it."
  • Example (inclusive): "If it’s their decision, they need to make it.”

5. Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Using "his" for a female: This is a very common error. Always use “her” for female subjects.
• Overusing "his": Sometimes, rephrasing can improve clarity.

Resources for Further Learning:

• Grammarly Blog: https://www.grammarly.com/blog/his-her-their/
• Purdue OWL (Online Writing Lab): https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/pronouns/pronoun_tipssingular_plural/index.html

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To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

• Are you struggling with a specific sentence where you’re using “his”? Sharing the sentence would be helpful.
• What type of writing are you focusing on (e.g., academic, creative, business)?