English - Possession

I have ___.

State that you have something.

Meaning: Say that you have something.

When to use: Use it when you want to tell someone about an item you have.

I don't have ___.

State that you do not have something.

Meaning: Say that you do not have something.

When to use: Use it when an item is missing or you cannot give it.

Tip: Say “I don't have a pen,” not “I haven't a pen” in everyday beginner English.

Do you have ___?

Ask if another person has something.

Meaning: Ask if another person has something.

When to use: Use it when you need to check if someone has an item.

Yes, I have ___.

Give a short positive answer about possession.

Meaning: Give a short yes answer about having something.

When to use: Use it after someone asks “Do you have ___?”

This is my ___.

Say that something belongs to you.

Meaning: Say that something belongs to you.

When to use: Use it when you point to or show your own item.

Tip: Use “my” before a noun: “my bag,” “my phone.”

Is this your ___?

Ask if something belongs to another person.

Meaning: Ask if something belongs to another person.

When to use: Use it when an item is nearby and you want to check the owner.

Tip: Use “your” before a noun: “your ticket,” “your notebook.”

That's not my ___.

Say that something does not belong to you.

Meaning: Say that something does not belong to you.

When to use: Use it when someone thinks an item is yours, but it is not.

I have ___ with me.

Say that you have something with you now.

Meaning: Say that you have something with you now.

When to use: Use it when the item is here with you, in your bag, pocket, or hand.

It's mine.

Say that something belongs to the speaker.

Meaning: Say that something belongs to you.

When to use: Use it when the item is already clear, so you do not need to repeat the noun.

Tip: Use “mine” alone. Say “It's mine,” not “It's my.”

It's yours.

Say that something belongs to the listener.

Meaning: Say that something belongs to the other person.

When to use: Use it when the listener owns the item.

Is it mine?

Ask if something belongs to the speaker.

Meaning: Ask if something belongs to you.

When to use: Use it when you are not sure if the item is yours.

Is it yours?

Ask if something belongs to the listener.

Meaning: Ask if something belongs to the listener.

When to use: Use it when you want to check if the item is the other person’s.

This isn't mine.

Say that something does not belong to the speaker.

Meaning: Say that something does not belong to you.

When to use: Use it when someone gives you the wrong item or when items are mixed up.