As a linguistic expert, I am well-versed in the nuances of the English language, including the use of pronouns. The question at hand is whether "mines" is a possessive pronoun. To address this, let's delve into the structure and usage of possessive pronouns in English.

Possessive pronouns are used to show ownership or relationship between two entities. In English, there are two types of possessive pronouns: nominative possessive pronouns and objective possessive pronouns. The nominative possessive pronouns include "yours," "his," "hers," "its," "ours," and "theirs." These pronouns are used when the entity being referred to is the owner of something. For example, "The book is yours" clearly indicates that the book belongs to the person being addressed.

However, when it comes to "mines," there is a common misconception. The word "mine" is indeed a possessive pronoun, but it is not the nominative form. "Mine" is an objective possessive pronoun, which is used when the entity being referred to is the object of the action or possession. For instance, if someone were to say, "This is mine," they are indicating that they are the one who possesses the item in question.

The confusion might arise because "mine" does not follow the typical pattern of nominative possessive pronouns, which often end with an "s." But "mine" is an exception to this rule. It is derived from the personal pronoun "I" and is used in the same way as "yours" is derived from "you," and "hers" from "she." The structure of possessive pronouns in English is not always consistent, and "mine" stands out as a unique case.

It is also important to note that "mines" in the context of mining or referring to a group of mines, is a plural noun and not a possessive pronoun. For example, "The mines in the area are numerous" does not indicate possession but rather describes a collection of mines.

In conclusion, "mines" is not a possessive pronoun in the nominative form. The correct possessive pronoun to indicate possession by the speaker is "mine." It is an objective possessive pronoun that is used when the speaker is the object of the action or possession.

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Mine is the exception. The other nominative possessive pronouns are yours, his, hers, its, ours, and theirs. The only one that doesn't fit the pattern -- by not ending with an s -- is mine: The book is yours.Aug 13, 2012read more >>