Grammar - Pronouns

Question 1

What are Subject Pronouns?

Answer 1

1. Subject pronouns replaces the subject
2. The noun that is replaced by the pronoun is called the pronoun’s antecedent.

Examples:
The boy gave the ball to Tom. (The boy = the antecedent)
He gave the ball to Tom. (He = the subject pronoun)

Jim and Sue gave the ball to Tom. (Jim and Sue = plural antecedent)
They gave the ball to Tom. (They = plural subject pronoun)

Anne and I went to the store. (Anne and I = compound subject)
We went to the store. (We = plural subject pronoun)

Question 2

How can you know when to properly use a subject pronoun in compound subjects?

Answer 2

Test it out Individually!

(Take away the other subjects to see if you’re using the right pronoun).

EXAMPLES:

Him and me are going to the game. (Take away “me”)
Him is going to the game. (incorrect.)
He is going to the game. (correct.)

He and me are going to the game.
Me am going to the game. (incorrect)
I am going to the game. (correct)
He and I are going to the game. (correct)

Question 3

What are Object Pronouns?

Answer 3

Object Pronouns receive the action of the verb either directly (direct object) or indirectly (indirect object).

Question 4

How can you know when to properly use an indirect object pronoun in compound subjects?

Answer 4

Test it out individually!
Take away the other subjects to see if you’re using the right pronoun.

Examples:

Please give some candy to her and I.

Please give some candy to her. (correct)
Please give some candy to I. (incorrect)
Please give some candy to her and me. (correct)

They love to tease we fifth graders.

They love to tease we. (incorrect)
They love to tease us. (correct)
They love to tease us fifth graders. (correct)

Throw the ball to she and I next.

Throw the ball to she… (incorrect)
Throw the ball to her…(correct)
Throw the ball to I… (incorrect)
Throw the ball to me… (correct)
Throw the ball to her and me. (correct)

Question 5

More Information about Object Pronouns!

Answer 5

A direct object receives the action of a verb.

EXAMPLES:

The boy gave the ball to Tom. (The ball = singular antecedent)

The boy gave it to Tom. (it = singular direct object pronoun)

An indirect object answers the question to whom, for whom, to what, or for what? an action is done.

EXAMPLES:

The boy gave the ball to Tom. (Tom = singular indirect object antecedent)
The boy gave the ball to him. (him = singular indirect object pronoun)

Ellen and Jo made soup for Michelle and Jon. (Michelle and Jon = plural indirect object antecedent)

Ellen and Jo made soup for them. (them = plural indirect object pronoun)