Your's or Yours: Which One Is Correct? (Complete Grammar Guide)

Many English learners and even native speakers often get confused between “your’s” and “yours’.” At first glance, both forms might look correct because they seem similar to other possessive words like John’s or the dog’s.

However, this confusion happens because English grammar rules for possessive pronouns are different from regular nouns.People frequently search for “your’s or yours’” because they want to write correctly in emails, assignments, social media posts, and professional communication.

Understanding the correct usage is important because it helps you communicate clearly and confidently. In this article, you will learn the correct form, meanings, examples, common mistakes, grammar rules, and simple tips to remember the difference forever.

Quick Answer

The correct word is “yours.”
Both “your’s” and “yours’” are incorrect in standard English grammar.
“Yours” is already a possessive pronoun, so it does not need an apostrophe.

Meaning and Definition of Your’s or Yours

Let’s break down each form to understand why only one is correct.

1. Yours (Correct Form)

Definition:
“Yours” is a possessive pronoun. It shows that something belongs to “you.”

Explanation:
Unlike nouns, possessive pronouns do not use apostrophes. Words like mine, yours, his, hers, ours, and theirs are already possessive.

Examples:

This book is yours.
The final decision is yours.
Is this pen yours?

2. Your’s (Incorrect Form)

Definition:
“Your’s” is not a correct word in English.

Explanation:
Many people mistakenly add an apostrophe because they think it shows possession. However, “your” is already a possessive adjective, and “yours” is the correct possessive pronoun.

Incorrect Examples:

This bag is your’s. ❌
That idea is your’s. ❌

Correct Versions:

This bag is yours. ✔️
That idea is yours. ✔️

3. Yours’ (Incorrect Form)

Definition:
“Yours’” is also incorrect and not used in standard grammar.

Explanation:
Adding an apostrophe after “yours” is unnecessary because the word is already possessive.

Incorrect Examples:

The choice is yours’. ❌
This house is yours’. ❌

Correct Versions:

The choice is yours. ✔️
This house is yours. ✔️

Key Differences Between the Words Your’s or Yours

Here’s a simple breakdown to help you understand:

Yours
- ✔️ Correct
- ✔️ Possessive pronoun
- ✔️ No apostrophe needed
Your’s
- ❌ Incorrect
- ❌ Misuse of apostrophe
- ❌ Not used in English grammar
Yours’
- ❌ Incorrect
- ❌ Extra apostrophe
- ❌ Not grammatically valid

Comparison Table

Word	Meaning	Usage	Example
Yours	Belonging to you	Possessive pronoun	This phone is yours.
Your’s	Incorrect form	Not used	❌ This is your’s.
Yours’	Incorrect form	Not used	❌ This is yours’.

Examples in Sentences

Here are more real-life examples to help you understand how to use “yours” correctly.

Using “Yours”

The responsibility is yours.
That seat is yours, not mine.
This opportunity is yours to take.
The success of the project is yours.
Is this jacket yours or his?

Incorrect Usage

This is your’s car. ❌
The idea is yours’. ❌

Corrected Versions

This is yours car. ❌ (Still incorrect structure)
This car is yours. ✔️

Common Mistakes

Here are the most common mistakes people make:

1. Adding an Apostrophe

❌ This pen is your’s.
✔️ This pen is yours.

2. Confusing “Your” and “Yours”

❌ This is yours book.
✔️ This is your book.
✔️ This book is yours.

3. Adding Extra Apostrophe

❌ The decision is yours’.
✔️ The decision is yours.

Tips to Remember the Difference

Here are some easy tricks:

Tip 1: No Apostrophe Rule

If the word is a possessive pronoun (mine, yours, his, hers), never use an apostrophe.

Tip 2: Compare with “His”

We don’t write “his’” or “hi’s,” right?
Same rule applies to yours.

Tip 3: Replace the Sentence

If you can replace it with “my” or “his,” use:

“your” before a noun
“yours” after a noun

Tip 4: Keep It Simple

If you’re unsure, remember:
👉 Only “yours” is correct. The other forms are always wrong.

When to Use Each Word

Use “Yours” When:

The noun is already mentioned
You don’t need to repeat the noun

Examples:

This car is yours.
The choice is yours.

Use “Your” (Related Word) When:

You are describing a noun

Examples:

This is your car.
Where is your phone?

Never Use:

Your’s ❌
Yours’ ❌

Grammar Rules (Important)

Rule 1: Possessive Pronouns Don’t Use Apostrophes

Mine ✔️
Yours ✔️
His ✔️
Hers ✔️
Theirs ✔️

Rule 2: Apostrophes Show Contractions or Noun Possession

John’s book ✔️
It’s (it is) ✔️

But NOT:

Your’s ❌
Yours’ ❌

Rule 3: “Your” vs “Yours”

Your = possessive adjective (comes before noun)
Yours = possessive pronoun (stands alone)

Synonyms or Related Words

While “yours” doesn’t have exact synonyms, here are related possessive pronouns:

Mine
His
Hers
Ours
Theirs

These all follow the same rule: no apostrophes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is “your’s” ever correct?

No, “your’s” is never correct in standard English.

2. Can I use “yours’” in any situation?

No, “yours’” is always incorrect.

3. Why doesn’t “yours” need an apostrophe?

Because it is a possessive pronoun, and these words do not use apostrophes.

4. What is the difference between “your” and “yours”?

“Your” is used before a noun (your book)
“Yours” replaces the noun (the book is yours)

5. Is “yours truly” correct?

Yes, “yours truly” is a correct and common phrase used in letters.

6. How can I avoid this mistake?

Remember:
👉 If it ends in “-s” and shows possession like “yours,” don’t add an apostrophe.

Conclusion

The confusion between “your’s or yours’” is very common, but the rule is actually simple. Only “yours” is correct, and both “your’s” and “yours’” are incorrect forms that should be avoided.

By understanding that “yours” is a possessive pronoun that does not require an apostrophe, you can avoid one of the most frequent grammar mistakes. Keep practicing, use the tips shared in this guide, and soon this rule will become second nature in your writing.