Test Yourself

Pronoun Cases

[Harbrace 6 & 6e - 6g]

Review

• Introduction: Pronoun Cases 
• Using Pronoun Cases Effectively 

Practice Exercises

• Identifying Faulty Pronoun Cases
• Selecting Appropriate Pronoun Cases, Part II

Introduction

The case of a pronoun indicates whether the pronoun is used as a subject or an object, or whether the pronoun is possessive.

Personal Pronouns [Harbrace 6]

1ST PERSON SINGULAR

I (subjective); me (objective); my, mine (possessive) 

2ND PERSON SINGULAR

you (subjective); you (objective); your, yours (possessive) 

3RD PERSON SINGULAR

he, she, it (subjective); him, her, it (objective); his, her, hers, its (possessive) 

1ST PERSON PLURAL

we (subjective); us (objective); our, ours (possessive) 

2ND PERSON PLURAL

you (subjective); you (objective); your, yours (possessive) 

3RD PERSON PLURAL

they (subjective); them (objective); their, theirs (possessive) 

Using Pronoun Cases Effectively

Use the form or case appropriate to the function of the pronoun in the sentence.

Use the subjective case: [Harbrace 6 & 6g] 

1. for the simple or compound subject of a sentence; 

EXAMPLE:
John and I bought a membership at the health spa. 

2. for the subject of a clause; 

EXAMPLE:
Because José graduated from high school with honours, he received a scholarship. 

3. for an appositive expanding a subject; 

EXAMPLE:
Both teachers, Mr. Kalia and he, take time to work with their students outside of class. 

Use the possessive case: [Harbrace 6 & 6e]

1. for possession, ownership, and similar uses; 

EXAMPLE:
Michael brought his notebook. 

2. preceding a gerund (-ing verb form used as a noun) in formal language; 

EXAMPLE:
The seminar emphasized the importance of teachers' planning formal lessons. 

Use the objective case: [Harbrace 6 & 6f]

1. for the simple or compound object of a verb; 

EXAMPLE:
The boss likes the new employee and me. 

2. for the object of a preposition; 

EXAMPLE:
Between you and me, we will find sufficient information for the paper. 

3. for the subject or object of a verbal (-ing or infinitive form of a verb); 

EXAMPLE:
Pleasing him was difficult for Ms. Johnson. 

4. for whom as the object of a verb in a clause (formal usage) or as the object of a preposition; 

EXAMPLE:
Whom did you see? 

5. for an appositive expanding an object; 

EXAMPLE:
Our team had two great athletes, Rudy Johnson and me.