PRONOUNS - SPECTACLES

PRONOUNS

What is a Pronoun?

A pronoun is a word that replaces a noun in a sentence. A different pronoun is required depending on two elements: the noun being replaced and the function that noun has in the sentence. In English, pronouns only take the gender of the noun they replace in the 3rd person singular form. The 2nd person plural pronouns are identical to the 2nd person singular pronouns except for the reflexive pronoun.

The distinguishing characteristic of pronouns is that they can be substituted for other nouns. In grammar, a pronoun is defined as a word or phrase that may be substituted for a noun or noun phrase, which once replaced, is known as the pronoun’s antecedent. Pronouns can do everything that nouns can do. A pronoun can act as a subject, direct object, indirect object, object of the preposition, and more. Pronouns are usually used to replace nouns, however, they can also stand in for certain adverbs, adjectives, and other pronouns. Some examples of pronouns include :

· I

· me

· mine

· myself

· she

· her

· hers

· herself

· we

· us

· ours

· ourselves

Types of Pronouns

Pronouns can be divided into numerous categories including:

· Indefinite pronouns – those referring to one or more unspecified objects, beings, or places

· Personal pronouns – those associated with a certain person, thing, or group; all except you have distinct forms that indicate singular or plural number

· Reflexive pronouns – those preceded by the adverb, adjective, pronoun, or noun to which they refer, and ending in –self or –selves

· Demonstrative pronouns – those used to point to something specific within a sentence

· Possessive pronouns – those designating possession or ownership

· Relative pronouns – those which refer to nouns mentioned previously, acting to introduce an adjective (relative) clause

· Interrogative pronouns – those which introduce a question

· Reciprocal pronouns – those expressing mutual actions or relationship; i.e. one another

· Intensive pronouns – those ending in –self or –selves and that serve to emphasize their antecedents

Pronoun Rules

There are a few important rules for using pronouns. As you read through these rules and the examples in the next section, notice how the pronoun rules are followed. Soon you’ll see that pronouns are easy to work with.

· Subject pronouns may be used to begin sentences. For example: We did a great job.

· Subject pronouns may also be used to rename the subject. For example: It was she who decided we should go to Hawaii.

· Indefinite pronouns don’t have antecedents. They are capable of standing on their own. For example: No one likes the sound of fingernails on a chalkboard.

· Object pronouns are used as direct objects, indirect objects, and objects of prepositions. These include: you, me, him, her, us, them, and it. For example: David talked to her about the mistake.

· Possessive pronouns show ownership. They do not need apostrophes. For example: The cat washed its whiskers.