Pronoun

Episode 4: Using Pronouns (Replacing Nouns)

In this episode, we’ll learn about pronouns. Pronouns are words that replace nouns. We use them to avoid repeating the same noun many times in a sentence or paragraph.

What is a Pronoun?

Imagine you’re talking about your friend Sarah. Instead of saying “Sarah likes to read. Sarah goes to the library every week. Sarah enjoys learning new things,” you can use a pronoun: “Sarah likes to read. She goes to the library every week. She enjoys learning new things.”

The word “she” replaces the noun “Sarah.” That’s what pronouns do!

Subject Pronouns

These pronouns act as the subject of a sentence (the person or thing doing the action).

I: (Me) I like to read.
You: (The person I’m talking to) You are a good student.
He: (A male person) He is my brother.
She: (A female person) She is my sister.
It: (A thing or animal) It is raining. It is a cute dog.
We: (Me and other people) We are learning English.
They: (Other people or things) They are my friends. They are on the table.

Examples in Sentences:

I went to the park.
She is a teacher.
They are playing soccer.
It is cold outside.

Object Pronouns

These pronouns act as the object of a sentence (the person or thing receiving the action).

Me: (To me) He gave the book to me.
You: (To the person I’m talking to) I will help you.
Him: (To a male person) I saw him at the store.
Her: (To a female person) I talked to her yesterday.
It: (To a thing or animal) I like it.
Us: (To me and other people) They helped us.
Them: (To other people or things) I saw them at the party.

Examples in Sentences:

She gave the gift to me.
I called him on the phone.
They are talking to us.
The dog chased it.

Possessive Pronouns (Showing Ownership)

These pronouns show that something belongs to someone.

My: (Belonging to me) This is my book.
Your: (Belonging to you) Is this your pen?
His: (Belonging to him) That is his car.
Her: (Belonging to her) This is her house.
Its: (Belonging to it) The dog wagged its tail.
Our: (Belonging to us) This is our school.
Their: (Belonging to them) That is their garden.

Examples in Sentences:

This is my phone.
That is her bicycle.
Those are their toys.

Important Note: “It’s” vs. “Its”

It’s: This is a contraction of “it is” or “it has.” Example: It’s raining. It’s been a long day.
Its: This shows possession. Example: The dog wagged its tail.

This is a very common mistake, so pay close attention to the difference.

What We Skipped (For Now):

Independent possessive pronouns (mine, yours, hers, etc.): These can be introduced later.
Indefinite, relative, demonstrative, interrogative, and reflexive pronouns: These are more complex and are best introduced after learners have a solid grasp of subject, object, and possessive pronouns.

Why are Pronouns Important?

Pronouns make our language less repetitive and more natural. They help us speak and write more smoothly.

Pronoun

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