Grammar Part 1: Pronouns

Words that replace nouns.

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Pronouns

Used as the subject of a verb.

​​Subjective

Used as the object of a verb.

​​Objective

Shows ownership.

​​Possessive

Antecedents that are unclear or ambiguous.

​​Vague

• Definition: Pronouns used as the subject of a verb.

• Examples: He, She, They, I, You, We

• Fill-in: Subjective pronouns are used when the pronoun is the one doing the action, e.g., ___ likes ice cream.

• Tip: Remember, if the pronoun can perform the action, it's subjective!

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Subjective Pronouns

• Definition: Pronouns used as the object of a verb or preposition.

• Examples: Him, Her, Them, Me, You, Us

• Fill-in: Give the book to ___.

• Tip: Think of the object as the receiver of action. If the pronoun is receiving, it's objective!

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Objective Pronouns

• Definition: Pronouns that show ownership.

• Examples: His, Hers, Theirs, Mine, Yours, Ours

• Fill-in: Is that book ___?

• Tip: No apostrophes! Remember, possessive pronouns show belonging without needing an apostrophe.

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Possessive Pronouns

• Definition: The noun that the pronoun replaces or refers to.

• Examples: The cat licked its paws. ("cat" is the antecedent to "its")

• Fill-in: Amanda lost her keys. "Amanda" is the antecedent to ___.

• Tip: The antecedent must match the pronoun in number, person, and gender.

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Antecedents

• Definition: Pronouns whose antecedents are unclear or ambiguous.

• Examples: It, This, That, Which

• Fill-in: ___ is really interesting. (Unclear if referring to a specific topic)

• Tip: Always link pronouns clearly to their nouns to avoid confusion. Ask, "Can the reader tell what I'm referring to?"

Vague
Pronouns

• Definition: Pronouns used as the object of a verb or preposition.

• Examples: Him, Her, Them, Me, You, Us

• Fill-in: Give the book to ___.

• Tip: Think of the object as the receiver of action. If the pronoun is receiving, it's objective!

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Pronoun
Shifts