Rules for use of pronouns and Examples

There are multiple important rules for the use of pronouns in English. In this blog post, we will discuss rules for use of pronouns with the help of examples.

1: Use the nomination case as the subject of a finite verb.

For example “He is taller than I.” I is the subject of am (understood). “Explain the situation to whoever comes first.” whoever the subject is of comes, not the object of the preposition to.

For example “He is the man who we believe should be elected.” Who is the subject of should be elected, not the object of belief.

Also read: What is capitalization in English | Rules, and examples of capitalization

2: Use the Nominative case after the various forms of the linking verb be (was, were, is, are, have been, ets.)

“It was he who called.”

“The leaders were Ali, Adeel, Asad, Shahid, and I.

“We are certain it is they.”   

3: Use the possessive case to modify a gerund.

“We objected to is leaving”

“Maindad’s losing the ball stopped the game.”

“I am certain of their having been there.”

4: Use the objective case for the object of a verb.

“I invited Saadia and him.”

“She likes Shahid better than me. “Me is the object of she likes (understood).

“Whom did you see?” Whom the object is of did see.

“Give the dictionary to whomever you see. “Whoever is the object of see?

5: Use the object case for the object of a preposition.

“She gave the dictionary to Saadia and me.”

“They were all there except him.”

“Three of us boys went camping in Abbottabad.”

6: Pronouns-Number: use a singular pronoun to refer to the indefinite words anyone, either, everyone, each every, nobody.

“Everyone should have is own dictionary.”

“Each one of the girls read her essay.”

“If anyone wishes help, he must ask for it.”

 “Neither of the boys could express his ideas.”