Many people search for “your’s or yours” because the two forms look similar, but only one is correct in standard English. This confusion often appears in emails, exams, contracts, and
professional writing. Writers assume that adding an apostrophe shows possession, but pronouns follow different rules. Words like his, hers, ours, and yours never use apostrophes, even though they show ownership.
This article clears that confusion in a simple way by explaining why “yours” is correct and “your’s” is incorrect, with examples, rules, and practical guidance to help you write confidently and correctly.
Your’s or Yours:Quick Answer
Yours is the only correct form in standard English.
Your’s (with an apostrophe) is incorrect and should not be used.
Examples:
- This book is yours. ✅
- Is this seat yours? ✅
❌ This book is your’s. (Incorrect) ❌ That bag is your’s, not mine. (Incorrect)
Rule: Possessive pronouns never use apostrophes.
The Origin of Your’s or Yours
To understand why yours is correct, we need to look at the history of English pronouns.
Origin of “Your” and “Yours”
The word your comes from Old English ēower, which was used to show possession. Over time, English developed two possessive forms:
- Possessive adjectives: my, your, his, her, our, their
- Possessive pronouns: mine, yours, his, hers, ours, theirs
Yours became the possessive pronoun form, meaning “belonging to you.”
Why “Your’s” Appeared
The incorrect form your’s appeared later because writers applied a noun rule to a pronoun. Since nouns use apostrophe + s to show possession (John’s book), people assumed the same rule applied to your. However, pronouns do not follow this rule.
That is why English kept yours without an apostrophe, just like his and hers.
British English vs American English Spelling
There is no difference between British English and American English when it comes to yours.
Both varieties:
- Accept yours as correct
- Reject your’s as incorrect
Examples
- British English: This house is yours.
- American English: The decision is yours.
Comparison Table
| Form | British English | American English |
| yours | ✅ Correct | ✅ Correct |
| your’s | ❌ Incorrect | ❌ Incorrect |
| rule | No apostrophe | No apostrophe |
Which Spelling Should You Use?
No matter who your audience is, the answer is always the same:
- US audience: Use yours
- UK audience: Use yours
- Commonwealth audience: Use yours
- Global audience: Use yours
There is no situation in standard English where your’s is acceptable.
Professional advice: If you are writing emails, blogs, legal documents, or academic content, always double-check that you have written yours without an apostrophe.
Common Mistakes with Your’s or Yours
Mistake 1: Adding an Apostrophe for Possession
❌ This phone is your’s. ✅ This phone is yours.
Mistake 2: Confusing “Your” with “Yours”
❌ This is your. ✅ This is yours.
Mistake 3: Overcorrecting Grammar
❌ The choice is your’s to make. ✅ The choice is yours to make.
Mistake 4: Copying Noun Rules
❌ That idea is your’s, not mine. ✅ That idea is yours, not mine.
Your’s or Yours in Everyday Examples
Emails
- Please review the document and confirm if it is yours.
- The responsibility is yours now.
News Writing
- The final decision is yours, the judge said.
Social Media
- This victory is yours! 🎉
- The spotlight is yours tonight ✨
Formal & Academic Writing
- The final choice is yours to determine.
- Ownership of the data is yours after submission.
Your’s or Yours:Google Trends & Usage Data
Search engine data shows that “your’s or yours” is frequently searched in:
- South Asia
- ESL-learning regions
- Student-heavy countries
- Online writing communities
The incorrect form your’s appears often in informal writing, social media, and beginner-level content. However, professional publications, news outlets, and academic texts only use “yours.”
This trend shows a strong need for quick clarification, especially for learners preparing for exams or writing professional emails.
Comparison Table:Your’s vs Yours
| Form | Correct? | Reason | Example |
| yours | ✅ Yes | Possessive pronoun | This bag is yours |
| your’s | ❌ No | Apostrophe misuse | ❌ This bag is your’s |
FAQs
Is “your’s” ever correct?
No. Your’s is always incorrect in standard English.
Why doesn’t “yours” use an apostrophe?
Because possessive pronouns never use apostrophes.
Is “yours” formal or informal?
It is correct in both formal and informal English.
Can “yours” end a sentence?
Yes. This choice is yours.
Is “yours” used in letters?
Yes. Yours sincerely is a common closing.
Do native speakers make this mistake?
Yes, especially in casual writing.
Is “yours” the same as “your”?
No. Your modifies a noun, yours replaces it.
Conclusion
The confusion between your’s or yours is very common, but the rule is simple once you understand it. Yours is the correct possessive pronoun, and your’s is incorrect in all forms of standard English. Unlike nouns, pronouns do not use apostrophes to show possession. This is why we write his, hers, ours, and yours never hi’s, her’s, our’s, or your’s.
This rule applies everywhere: British English, American English, academic writing, professional emails, and everyday conversation.
If you remember just one thing, remember this: apostrophes do not belong in possessive pronouns. When you follow this rule, your writing instantly becomes clearer and more professional.
If you are a student, content writer, or business professional, using yours correctly helps you avoid small but noticeable grammar mistakes.
With the explanations, examples, tables, and FAQs in this guide, you now have complete clarity. The choice is yours and now you know it is correct.
Read more about!
I am a Nathan Colewood.I am a English content writer and language researcher. I focuses on grammar rules, confusing word pairs, and modern English usag.I goal is to help readers improve their English through short, clear explanations and real-life examples. I mainly creates practical guides for beginners and non-native English learners. Nathan’s writing style is simple, informative, and easy to understand.
