Many learners get confused between “yours” and “your’s.” Since apostrophes are common in English, people sometimes think “your’s” must be correct.
But the truth is simple: only one form is correct in standard English.
Quick Answer
- Yours = correct possessive form
- Your’s = incorrect spelling
Simple Background
The word “yours” is a possessive pronoun. It shows ownership without needing an apostrophe.
English already has similar possessive words:
- his
- hers
- ours
- theirs
So “yours” follows the same pattern.
Clear Explanation of the Difference
What is “Yours”?
Yours is the correct word.
It means:
- Something belongs to you
Examples:
- “This book is yours.”
- “The decision is yours.”
What is “Your’s”?
Your’s is:
- Not correct in standard English
- A common punctuation mistake
❌ “This bag is your’s.”
✔ “This bag is yours.”
Comparison Table
| Word | Type | Meaning | Correct Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yours | Possessive pronoun | Belonging to you | ✅ Yes |
| Your’s | Incorrect form | No correct meaning | ❌ No |
Which One to Use and When
Always use yours when:
- Showing ownership
- Replacing “your + noun”
Examples:
- “Your phone is black. Mine is blue.”
- “This black phone is yours.”
Never use your’s in correct writing.
Simple Tip to Remember
- Possessive pronouns do not use apostrophes
Examples:
- his
- hers
- ours
- yours
Common Mistakes People Make
1. Adding unnecessary apostrophes
❌ “your’s”
✔ “yours”
2. Confusing contractions and possession
Apostrophes are usually for contractions, not possessive pronouns.
3. Typing quickly
This mistake is very common online.
Everyday Real Life Examples
In Emails
- “The final choice is yours.”
In Messages
- “Is this jacket yours?”
On Social Media
- “The victory is yours!”
In Daily Life
- “That seat is yours.”
- “This opportunity is yours.”
Short Learning Section for Students
Here is a simple way to remember:
Step 1: Learn the correct form
- Yours = correct
- Your’s = wrong
Step 2: Practice
- “This pen is yours.”
- “The room is yours.”
Step 3: Use memory trick
Think:
His, hers, yours — no apostrophes
Step 4: Check punctuation
Do not add apostrophes to possessive pronouns.
FAQ
Is “your’s” ever correct?
No, it is always incorrect.
Why does “yours” have no apostrophe?
Because possessive pronouns do not use apostrophes.
What does “yours” mean?
It means something belongs to you.
Is this mistake common?
Yes, especially in texting and online writing.
How can I remember easily?
Think: his, hers, ours, yours all without apostrophes.
Should I check apostrophes carefully?
Yes, apostrophes can completely change meaning.
Can “yours” be used formally?
Yes, it is correct in all types of writing.
Conclusion
The difference between yours and your’s is very simple.
- Yours is the correct possessive form.
- Your’s is a punctuation mistake and should be avoided.
Remember this easy rule:
Possessive pronouns never need apostrophes.
With this, you can write “yours” correctly every time.
Kevin Jose is a contributing author at GrammarPeak, focused on simplifying English grammar and usage. He writes clear, practical content that helps readers understand grammar rules, avoid common errors, and improve writing clarity, accuracy, and confidence in academic, professional, and everyday communication.
