Pronouns in English grammar are words used in place of nouns. Instead of repeating a noun many times, we use a pronoun once the listener or reader already knows which noun we are referring to.
Choosing the correct pronoun depends on what you are talking about and where in the sentence the pronoun appears.
Types of Pronouns in English Grammar
There are several categories of pronouns: subject pronouns, object pronouns, possessive pronouns, and reflexive pronouns.
Pronoun Table
| Person / Thing | Subject Pronoun | Object Pronoun | Possessive Pronoun | Reflexive Pronoun |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Person (Singular) | I | Me | Mine | Myself |
| 1st Person (Plural) | We | Us | Ours | Ourselves |
| 2nd Person (Singular) | You | You | Yours | Yourself |
| 2nd Person (Plural) | You | You | Yours | Yourselves |
| 3rd Person (Female) | She | Her | Hers | Herself |
| 3rd Person (Male) | He | Him | His | Himself |
| Thing (Singular) | It | It | Its (possessive adjective) | Itself |
| Thing (Plural) | They | Them | Theirs | Themselves |
👉 Important: When we talk about a “thing” and show possession, we use the possessive adjective “its” rather than a possessive pronoun.
How to Use Pronouns in Sentences
1. Subject Pronouns
Subject pronouns replace the subject of a sentence and usually appear at the beginning.
- I love him.
- They are my best friends.
2. Object Pronouns
Object pronouns replace the object of a sentence and usually appear after the verb.
- They came to visit me.
- The teacher called us.
3. Possessive Pronouns
Possessive pronouns show that something belongs to someone.
- Is this coat yours?
- This house is mine.
4. Reflexive Pronouns
Reflexive pronouns are used when the subject and the object are the same.
- She loves herself.
- We have to study by ourselves, not just at school.
Key Rules for Using Pronouns in English Grammar
- Subject pronouns (I, he, she, we, they) are used before the verb.
- Object pronouns (me, him, her, us, them) are used after the verb or preposition.
- Possessive pronouns (mine, yours, ours, theirs) show ownership without repeating the noun.
- Reflexive pronouns (myself, yourself, themselves) show that the subject and object are the same.
- Use “its” (not it’s) for possession with things or animals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pronouns
1. What are pronouns in English grammar?
Pronouns are words that replace nouns to avoid repetition, such as he, she, it, they, you.
2. What are the 4 main types of pronouns?
The four basic types are subject pronouns, object pronouns, possessive pronouns, and reflexive pronouns.
3. What is the difference between possessive pronouns and possessive adjectives?
- Possessive pronouns stand alone (This book is mine.).
- Possessive adjectives come before a noun (This is my book.).
4. When should I use reflexive pronouns?
Use reflexive pronouns when the subject and object are the same (She taught herself Spanish.).
5. What are examples of subject and object pronouns?
- Subject pronouns: I, he, she, we, they.
- Object pronouns: me, him, her, us, them.
âś… Pronouns are one of the building blocks of English grammar. Mastering them helps you avoid repetition and write clear, natural sentences.
(NOTE: Pronouns are a huge point of discussion these days. If you would like to learn more, please contact me.)
👉 Explore more lessons in our English Grammar Guide.
