my
My (det) means belonging to or associated with the speaker. Example: “I left my keys on the table.”
How to use my
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe possessive form of "I" — used before a noun to show ownership or connection.
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
I left _____ keys on the table.
Etymology
From Old English mīn ("my, mine"), an ancient possessive form shared with many other Germanic languages, such as German mein and Dutch mijn.
Frequently asked questions
What does “my” mean?
The word “my” means belonging to or associated with the speaker. In plain terms, the possessive form of "I" — used before a noun to show ownership or connection.
How do you pronounce “my”?
“My” is pronounced meye (/maɪ/ in IPA).
How do you use “my” in a sentence?
Here is “my” used in a sentence: “I left my keys on the table.”
What part of speech is “my”?
Depending on how it is used, “my” can be a det and an intj.
Where does the word “my” come from?
The word “my” comes from Old English. From Old English mīn ("my, mine"), an ancient possessive form shared with many other Germanic languages, such as German mein and Dutch mijn.
Is “my” a common word?
“My” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “my” have?
“My” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: belonging to or associated with the speaker.
What is the difference between "my" and "mine"?
"My" always comes before a noun ("my car," "my idea"), while "mine" stands alone in place of "my + noun" ("that car is mine"). In modern standard English you never put a noun straight after "mine."
What is the difference between "my" and "me"?
"My" is a possessive word and must be followed by a noun ("my phone"), while "me" is an object pronoun that stands on its own ("call me"). Saying "me phone" for "my phone" is a feature of some British dialects, but it is not standard English.
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