hers

Hers is the English independent possessive pronoun used to indicate that something belongs to a female person or a feminine noun. It functions as a stand-alone possessive pronoun, replacing a noun phrase such as “her book.” For example, “The jacket is hers.”

The determiner form before a noun is the possessive pronoun “her,” as in “her book is on the table.” In contrast, “hers” cannot modify a noun and is used only after a linking verb or as a predicate possessive, as in “That book is hers.”

Usage and grammar: “Hers” is singular and does not have a plural form. It is used to refer to ownership by a female possessor and can replace the noun phrase in contexts where the possessed item is understood from context. It often appears with forms of the verb “to be,” such as in statements like “The choice was hers.”

Etymology and notes: The word originates in the historical English possessive system and today serves as the independent possessive pronoun corresponding to “his.” Its use reflects gendered pronoun forms in English, though contemporary language practice may vary with individual preferences and evolving usage.

See also: Her, Herself, Personal pronouns, Possessive pronouns.