Name:________________________________Period:______Date:__________________
Nominative and Objective Pronouns
Nominative
Case
Pronouns
Objective
Case
Pronouns
Use when the pronoun in
questions functions as a
SUBJECT or
PREDICATE
NOMINATIVE
Use when the pronoun in
questions functions as an
OBJECT of
PREPOSITION
DIRECT OBJECT or
INDIRECT OBJECT
Nominative Case Pronouns are used when the pronoun in question acts as either a
subject or predicate noun.
S LV
PN
He is the winner (of the game).
S
AV
We finished early.
S
LV
PN
The winner of the game is who?
S LV PN
This is she.
Compound subjects and predicate nouns also use nominative case pronouns. Cover the
other part of the subject or predicate noun to see if the pronoun sounds correct, but the best
way to tell is by checking to see what the word’s function is in the sentence.
S
S
AV
She and Marcus watched the movie.
S
S
AV
They and the rest of the group left when the show ended.
Exercise #1: Choose the correct pronoun from the parenthesis and label how it is used in
the sentence.
1. Judy and (I, me) enjoyed the movie.
2. The people responsible for it all are the students and (I, me).
3. His sister and (he, him) are very close friends.
4. Her father and (she, her) went to the father daughter dance.
5. The president is (who, whom)?
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Objective Case Pronouns are used when the pronoun in question is used as a direct
object, indirect object, object of a preposition or the object of a verb used as another
part of speech.
S
AV
DO
S
I wrote them (on Monday).
P
OP
HV
S
AV
(To whom) are you speaking?
AV
IO
DO
The salesman sold him an encyclopedia.
S AV
Infinitive
object of infinitive
I like to read them.
To decide whether the word who or whom is best, substitute the words (he, him) into
the sentence, but the best way to tell is by checking to see what the word’s function is
in the sentence. S AV infinitive
OP
She wanted to go to the movies with (who, whom)?
(he, him).
Exercise #2: Choose the correct pronoun from the parenthesis and label how it is used in
the sentence.
1. During my vacation, I bought presents for (they, them).
2. You went on a date with (who, whom)?
3. Her boyfriend gave (she, her) flowers for Valentines day.
4. They gave (we, us) students a refund for the trip.
5. We wanted to buy (they, them) a new car.
Exercise #3: Place all prepositional phrases in parenthesis, label all verbs as action or
linking; identify the subject, direct objects, indirect objects, predicate nouns and predicate
adjectives. Choose the correct pronoun from the parenthesis and label how it is used in the
sentence.
1. The employee told Mary and (she, her) his reason for quitting.
2. (He, him) and (she, her) make a great couple.
3. Send the letters to your brother and (I, me).
4. Why can’t we reach Paul and (they, them)?
5. The best player on the court was (she, her).
6. Wait for (he, him) until (he, him) arrives.
7.
(Who, Whom) should we invite to the party?
8. (Who, Whom) shall we send it to?
9. (Who, Whom) ran to the store for him.
10. (We, Us) students would like a free homework pass.
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Adjective Phrases and Clauses – A Quick Review
An adjective phrase is any phrase which modifies a noun or pronoun. Adjective phrases
are constructed using participles or prepositions together with their objects:
I was driven mad by the volume of my neighbor's radio.
In this sentence, the prepositional phrase "of my neighbor's radio" acts as an adjective
modifying the noun "volume.” It answers the question “Which volume?”
However, many of the people in our neighborhood like her music.
Notice in this sentence the prepositional phrase “in our neighborhood” modifies the word
“people,” the object of the preposition in the previous phrase. It answers the question
“Which people?”
The rain pattering on the roof made an interesting sound.
Similarly, the participle phrase “pattering on the roof” modifies the noun “rain.” It
answers the question “Which rain?”
In the following sentences, identify the prepositional phrases used as adjectives and the
words that they modify.
1. I read the book from the library because it looked interesting.
2. The girl next to me read the same one.
3. A single revolution of the planets in a solar system is called a year.
4. Pluto, on the outside of our solar system, has an unbelievably long year.
5. 248 of our own years is the same as one of theirs.
Adjective Clauses
An adjective clause is a dependent clause that modifies a noun or pronoun; it begins
with a relative pronoun as its subject or object and usually modifies the word directly in
front of it.
who
whom
Relative Pronouns
whomever
whose
that
which
Example #1: The player who has the most points wins the Hart Trophy.
In this sentence “who has the most points” acts as an adjective modifying the word
“player.” It answers the question “Which player?”
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Example #2: Many people never read the books that they censor.
In this sentence “that they censor” acts as an adjective modifying the word “books.” It
answers the question “Which books?”
In the following sentences, identify each adjective clause and the word that it modifies.
1. The people who tape television commercials are called production workers.
2. The museum, which opened just five years ago, has become one of the most
popular destinations in the city.
3. John Keats, who was one of the most promising English poets, died in Rome.
4. The board will accept whoever is selected by the committee.
5. The theater where we saw the play is being renovated.
6. Is this the police officer whose quick thinking saved the day?
7. The reporter asked whoever would talk to her an insane number of questions.
8. The manager is responsible for the professionalism of the actors whom they
represent.
Using adjective phrases and clauses will help improve your writing style by providing
greater opportunity for sentence variety.
Rewrite each sentence using an adjective phrase.
1. The song’s theme was clear.
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2. Our favorite restaurant’s menu has changed.
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3. His basement furniture was ruined in the flood.
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4. The dark hall was intimidating.
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Rewrite each sentence using an adjective clause.
5. The angry citizens gathered in front of City Hall.
_________________________________________________________________
6. During class this morning, Lenora made a surprising remark.
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7. We drove by my mother’s old house.
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8. The coach used an innovative program to motivate his players.
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Noun Clauses
A noun clause contains its own subject and verb and functions the same way a single-word
noun does.
Relative Pronouns Used to Begin Noun Clauses
who
whoever
whom
whomever
whose
which
whichever
that
what
what-ever
where
how
when
if
whether
why
Noun Clauses used as:
Subject:
Whoever wins the game will move on to the finals.
Direct Object:
You should invite whomever you want to the party
Indirect Object: His quick wit gave whoever was listening a hardy laugh.
Object of a Preposition: Use the money for whatever purpose you choose.
Predicate Nominative:
Our problem is whether we should stay or go.
Appositive: The administration rejected our request that they alter the schedule.
Identifying Noun Clauses Exercise #1: Identify the noun clause in each sentence, how it
functions and how its parts function. Not every sentence will contain a noun clause.
1. What I found most interesting was the size of the lobsters.
2. I had thought that lobsters were usually a pound or more.
3. Our guide explained that langoustines look like miniature lobsters but are more
closely related to the hermit crab.
4. I was excited by what we saw next.
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5. A squid that is over 30 feet long is not what I expected.
6. Whoever can keep his composure with one of those things in his face is a brave
man!
7. I learned that the giant squid is rarely spotted in such shallow water.
8. Marjory was freaked out by how large its tentacles were.
9. She enjoys whatever expedition she is on at the moment, even if it freaks her out.
10. We are going visit wherever she chooses next month.
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USING PRONOUNS CORRECTLY
Nominative and Objective Case Pronouns – Exercise #1
1. It should be (I, me) in the front row.
2. (We, Us) actors brought our costumes.
3. (Who, Whom) will our new teacher be?
4. Behind Joan and (he, him) the boys were talking.
5. The painting I liked was done by her father and (she, her).
6. I’ve just discovered (who, whom) that man is.
7. Both her brother and (she, her) were sick.
8. I will tell you if you promise to keep it between you and (I, me).
9. Throughout history there have been people (who, whom) live to see their dreams come
true.
10. (Whoever, Whomever) comes along now will be lucky.
11. Was the winner (she, her)?
12. The students who had not finished were Paul, Mary and (I, me).
13. Linda gave her first flying lesson to Sam and (I, me).
14. Mr. O’Sullivan and (they, them) wrote poetry for the paper.
15. The counselor (who, whom) he consulted gave good advice.
16. Did you see (who, whom) Mr. Burns congratulated?
17. The only ones in the gym were Dave and (I, me).
18. Roxanne and (we, us) tore the prom decorations down.
19. Peter, (who, whom) is the manager, gave final instructions.
20. Helen told me that the only man (who, whom) she would marry lives in Germany.
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USING PRONOUNS - Exercise #2
A. Using Who, Whom, and Whose - On the blank line, write who, whom, or whose to
correctly complete each sentence.
1.
celebrates Independence Day on May 15?
1.
2. The British, from _____ Sierra Leone won its independence in 1961,
once had many colonies.
2.
3. The men ____ are dancing in a circle are celebrating a holiday.
3.
4. ____ flag has a different design on each side?
4.
5. For ____ is the king’s birthday the most important holiday?
5.
6. They honor the man ____ founded their country in 1804.
6.
7. These are the people ____ national colors are blue and white.
7.
8. ____ did you see dressed in silk saris and sarongs?
8.
9. The explorers ____ discovered Costa Rica were Spanish.
9.
10. Is this the country ____ birthday is July 1?
10.
B. Finding Pronouns and Their Antecedents - Underline the pronouns in each sentence once.
Underline its antecedent twice. If the pronoun and antecedent agree write A on the blank line;
if they don’t agree, correct the agreement problem.
1. Felicia told a story to her young sister.
1.
2. Because the story was about dinosaurs, it fascinated Laura.
2.
3. Both reptiles and mammals deposited its traces in rocks and
other materials.
3.
4. Which scientist made their first investigations at the La Brea Tar Pits.
4.
5. Either a modern animal or a prehistoric one might have left its bones
preserved here.
5.
6. These tar pools were everywhere, and it trapped many creatures.
6.
7. The workers at the tar pits thought the bones were a nuisance
because they got in the way.
7.
8. The workers were only interested in getting their job done.
8.
9. One tooth stood out from the rest because their appearance was so different.
9.
10. Saber-toothed tigers and woolly mammoths were among the animals
caught in the tar when they were young.
10.
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USING PRONOUNS - Exercise #3
A. Using Pronouns Correctly - On the blank line, write the correct form of the
pronouns in parentheses.
1. Winslow and (him, he) scraped the old paint off the boat.
1.
2. Mr. Baker showed Tiffany and (we, us) how to seal the wood.
2.
3. “If it was up to nature and (I, me),” the old sailor said, “you wouldn’t
leave till full tide.”
3.
4. The captain gave Roger and (she, her) the charts.
4.
5. “Whales,” he said, “will signal (their, them) arrival with a waterspout.”
5.
6. The first watch was taken by Gertrude and (we, us).
6.
7. Prudence and (I, me) were the first to see a whale.
7.
8. “There (she, her) blows!” yelled Prudence.
8.
9. The sight of the whales pleased (we, us) sailors.
9.
10. Mr.Baker smiled at (us, our) excitement.
10.
B. Writing Pronouns Correctly - If the underlined pronoun in each sentence is
correct, write C on the blank line. If it is not, write the correct pronoun.
1. A weary traveler asked Connie and I for directions.
1.
2. The Lomonds sent us, their neighbors, a telegram.
2.
3. Last night the judges chose him as the best actor.
3.
4. You and me should leave now.
4.
5. The cast members who didn’t know their lines were Lyn and him.
5.
6. His singing doesn’t please everyone.
6.
7. Ms. Jackson offered extra help to Charles, Edgar, and I.
7.
8. If you want people to buy your books, pay attention to what us readers
said about your last novel.
8.
9. The sound of you hammering is bothering the neighbors.
9.
10. The Kanos and we are going surfing.
10.
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USING PRONOUNS - Exercise #4
A. Using Who and Its Related Pronouns -Complete each well-known saying by writing a form
of who on the blank line.
1. ____ afraid of the big bad wolf?
1.
2. Ask not for ____the bell tolls.
2.
3. ____ goes there?
3.
4. ____ lies down with dogs gets up with fleas.
4.
5. He ____ laughs last laughs best.
5.
B. Using Pronouns Correctly If the underlined pronoun in each sentence is correct,
write C on the blank line. If it is not, write the correct pronoun.
1. We heard from the person whom you invited to the meeting.
1.
2. Either Robert or Jeff will lend you their sleeping bags.
2.
3. All the houses and stores had their front doors standing open.
3.
4. Neither of the women took their eyes off the target.
4.
5. Is that the author who you liked so much?
5.
6. Sheila introduced the student who was nominated for the Latin Prize.
6.
7. In this dance each man swings their partner twice.
7.
8. Whom did Marshall say was on the telephone?
8.
9. Everyone in the girls’ chorus knows her part.
9.
10. Both Dwight and Caleb write his own music.
10.
C. Editing for Pronoun Errors Revise each sentence below. Correct pronoun shifts and vague
or missing antecedents.
1. After you give the fish some food, put it back in the cupboard.
2. We’re going to Alaska next summer, and I’m sure it will be exciting.
3. I like this library because you can find a lot of books about astronomy here.
4. Frieda ate at a new restaurant last night, and they wore straw hats and red vest.
5. Brenda piles up the logs and I lit it.
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CORRECT PRONOUN USAGE - Exercise #5
Directions: Put the letter of the correct pronoun in the space provided.
_____ 1. Just between you and (a) I (b) me, was that a fair question?
_____ 2. That was probably (a) we (b) us whom you heard in the hall.
_____3. The author of the story never tells us whether it was (a) she
the door.
(b) her or the tiger behind
_____4. The speakers at the pregame rally will be you and (a) he (b) him.
_____5. Of all my friends, I find you and (a) she (b) her most congenial.
_____6. The man who sat beside Benedetto and (a) I (b) me was a celebrity.
_____7. Do you think that it could have been (a) they (b) them who made the donations?
_____8. Pearl Buck is a novelist (a) who (b) whom most Americans are familiar with.
_____9. The Pulitzer Prize is awarded annually to (a) whoever (b) whomever is selected by the
panel of judges.
_____10. Gwendolyn Brooks, (a) who (b) whom you told me won the Pulitzer Prize for poetry, also
wrote a book called Maud Martha.
_____11. Many of the students were happy about (a) his (b) him being made principal.
_____12. The poem had a different meaning for each one of us, Mary, Dawn, and (a) I
(b) me.
_____ 13. Listening to Ella Fitzgerald records keeps my friends and (a) I (b) me occupied for hours.
_____14. They have many more possessions than (a) we (b) us, but we have more fun than
_____15. (a) they (b) them.
_____16. The title of valedictorian goes to (a) whoever (b) whomever has the highest average for the
four years.
_____17. It usually is Jose and (a) she (b) her (a) who (b) whom everyone wants to hear.
_____18.
_____19. Added to the honor roll were two juniors, Frank and (a) she
_____20. When I lose my temper, the person I hurt most is (a) me
(b) her.
(b) myself.
_____21. If you want to sell more raffle tickets than Mark, you should call on more people than
(a) he (b) him.
_____22. Carson McCullers, (a) who (b) whom critics describe as a major American writer, wrote
a novel about a girl’s coming of age.
_____23. The guidance counselor told us that winning scholarships was the responsibility of
(a) we (b) us students.
_____24. She gave the outline for the chapters to Dave and
(a) I (b) me.
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Correct Pronoun Usage - Exercise #6
After each number, write the correct one of the two pronouns in the parentheses in the
corresponding sentence.
1. To (who, whom) was the letter addressed?
2. I have always thought that Beth and (he, him) had a lot in common.
3. Among those who had never been absent from school were Bobby
and (I, me).
_____________
4. Listening to music keeps my friend and (me, I) occupied for hours.
5. There is little doubt about (who, whom) the most popular girl in the
class is.
6. Will you help the others and (me, myself) with the assignment.
7. Please use the desk between Len and (I, me).
8. Was it (she, her) (whom, who) the principal called to the office.
9. It usually is Jose and (she, her) (who, whom) everyone wants to hear.
10. They have many more possessions than (we, us) but we have
more fun than (they, them).
11. May (we, us) boys go to the library to work on our history assignment.
12. (Who, Whom) do you think Sequoya was?
13. As soon as you know (who, whom) it was that wrote Lord of the Flies,
raise your hand.
14. Besides Karen and (I, me) there are no other candidates for the office.
15. (Him, His) winning the medal was a surprise to all of us.
16. Our teacher, thought that Sue and (I, me) were not paying attention.
17. The title of valedictorian goes to (whoever, whomever) has the highest
average for the four years.
18. You and (I, me) are now eligible for a National Merit Scholarship.
19. The gift that the class sent to (she, her) and her husband was a digital
clock-radio.
20. Do you think Lynn and (she, her) would make good exchange students?
21. Since I haven’t finished the book, please don’t tell me (who, whom)
the murderer is.
22. Jim Hightower was the one (who, whom) I thought was most likely to
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succeed at a large university.
23. The Chamber of Commerce presented Mia and (he, him) with awards
for the best term papers.
24. Should Cheryl and (she, her) wait for you?
25. Our new neighbors are just as cooperative as (they, them).
_____________
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