Pronoun Case
Using the correct pronoun can tricky. Some of what is considered standard usage sounds funny, snobby, or just plain wrong when we are not used to hearing it in our everyday, causal language. Being able to use pronouns in the standard register will help you sound educated in the formal settings of school and business. You can expect questions on college entrance exams to include using finding usage errors in standard pronoun case.
We categorize pronouns by case. The pronoun's function in the sentence determines which case it should take.
We categorize pronouns by case. The pronoun's function in the sentence determines which case it should take.
Nominative Case
Use the nominative case when the pronoun is a subject or a predicate nominative (a pronoun that follows a linking verb). |
Objective Case
Use the objective case when the pronoun is an object: direct object, indirect object, or object of a preposition. |
Common errors with the nominative and objective cases
1. Using an objective pronoun as a subject: Mom and him ate at the new cafe' yesterday. Mom and he ate at the new cafe' yesterday.
2. Using an objective pronoun as a predicate nominative: That is her. That is she.
3. Using a nominative pronoun as a direct object: Steven is related to Antonio and she. Steven is related to Antonio and her.
4. Using a nominative pronoun as an indirect object: Anna gave Bill and I cupcakes. Anna gave Bill and me cupcakes.
5. Using a nominative pronoun as a object of a preposition: The boy by Lisa and I is Rob. The boy by Lisa and me is Rob.
1. Using an objective pronoun as a subject: Mom and him ate at the new cafe' yesterday. Mom and he ate at the new cafe' yesterday.
2. Using an objective pronoun as a predicate nominative: That is her. That is she.
3. Using a nominative pronoun as a direct object: Steven is related to Antonio and she. Steven is related to Antonio and her.
4. Using a nominative pronoun as an indirect object: Anna gave Bill and I cupcakes. Anna gave Bill and me cupcakes.
5. Using a nominative pronoun as a object of a preposition: The boy by Lisa and I is Rob. The boy by Lisa and me is Rob.
Reflexive Case
The reflexive case is used when the pronoun indicates that someone or something is doing something for or to itself.
Common errors with the reflexive case 1. Using hisself, theyselves, or theirselves, which are not words. 2. Using a reflexive pronoun instead of a nominative pronoun: Eric and myself are going to the concert. Eric and I are going to the concert. 3. Using a reflexive pronoun instead of an objective pronoun: Jose' gave Leah and myself tickets to the game. Jose' gave Leah and me tickets to the game. |
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Use your Elements of Language textbook: Refer to pages 260-279 for more on pronoun case and usage.
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