A pronoun refers back to a noun or replaces that noun in a sentence. Therefore, it is important to use the correct pronoun for the reader to understand who or what the pronoun is referring to.
We use a singular pronoun to replace a singular noun:
- (Wrong): If a student wants to have good grades, they will have to strive for it.
- (Revised): If a student wants to have good grades, he or she will have to strive for it.
We must remember to use pronoun that agree in person. If we are writing in the “first person” (I), we should not switch to the “second person” or “third person” (he, she, they).
- (Wrong): Before a student enters the Principal’s office, you should knock on the door.
- (Revised): Before a student enters the Principal’s office, he or she should knock on the door.
It is very common for us to use pronouns ambiguously.
- (Wrong): Although the car hits the truck, it was not damaged. (Is "it" the car or the truck?)
- (Wrong): I'm sure they would not show violence on TV. (Who are "they"?)
- (Wrong): Summer is coming soon, which is nice. (What is nice, Summer or the fact that it is coming soon?)
Remember to use pronouns in a clear fashion so that our reader or listener will be clear of who or what we are referring to.
If you want to learn more about pronouns, read on.
Pronoun Case is really a very simple matter. There are three cases.
1. Subjective case: pronouns used as subject.
2. Objective case: pronouns used as objects of verbs or prepositions.
3. Possessive case: pronouns which express ownership.
Pronouns as SUBJECTS |
Pronouns as OBJECTS |
Pronouns that show POSSESSION |
I |
me |
my (mine) |
you |
you |
your (yours) |
he, she, it |
him, her, it |
his, her (hers), it (its) |
we |
us |
our (ours) |
they |
them |
their (theirs) |
who |
whom |
whose |
Note that the pronouns THIS, THAT, THESE, THOSE, and WHICH do not change form.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Common mistakes:
In compound structures, where there are two pronouns or a noun and a pronoun, drop the other noun for a moment. Then you can see which case you want.
- (Wrong): Bob and me travel a good deal.
(Would you say, "me travel"?)
- (Wrong): He gave the flowers to Jane and I.
(Would you say, "he gave the flowers to I"?)
In comparisons. Comparisons usually follow than or as:
- He is taller than I (am tall).
- This helps you as much as (it helps) me.
- She is as noisy as I (am).
Comparisons are really shorthand sentences which usually omit words, such as those in the parentheses in the sentences above. If you complete the comparison in your head, you can choose the correct case for the pronoun.
- (Wrong): He is taller than me.
(Would you say, "than me am tall"?)
In formal and semiformal writing:
- Use the subjective form after a form of the verb to be.
Formal: It is I.
Informal: It is me.
- Use whom in the objective case.
Formal: To whom am I talking?
Informal: Who am I talking to?
|
|
