Pronouns
• Take the place of nouns
• It can take the place of a person, place or
thing.
• The word that the pronoun refers to is the
antecedent
Ramon visited Death Valley, and he was
impressed.
Be Careful with Pronouns!
Overusing pronouns can create a mystery for
your reader.
He came with me to the store. His friend came
too. He was so rude to the cashier at the store,
he asked us to leave, and I was embarrassed. He
wasn’t though.
WHO IS HE?
Subject Pronouns: take the place
of a subject or predicate noun
following a linking verb
Singular
First Person
Second Person
Third Person
Subject
I
you
he, she, it
Plural
First Person
Second Person
Third Person
we
you
they
Examples
Pronouns as subjects:
Mr. Collins likes to walk in the park.
He walks his dog there every day.
Predicate Pronouns:
The owner of the dog was he.
Strategy: Isolate the pronoun to make sure it is
correct
Which sounds correct?
We students always enjoy snow days.
Us students always enjoy snow days.
Isolate the pronoun. Now which sound better?
We always enjoy snow days.
Us always enjoy snow days.
Correct: We students always enjoy snow days.
Subject Pronoun Practice
1. (We, Us) mystery fans have started a club at our school.
2. Sometimes, (we, us) students get tired of the cafeteria food.
3. Brittany and I don’t always get along; in fact, (she, her) and I
fight all the time.
4. After the game, my friends and (I, me) went to Dairy Queen
for some ice cream.
5. At Andew’s party, (him, he) and I played Guitar Hero all
night.
6. Over the break, Jamie and (I, me) went to see three new
movies.
7. No one can eat as many chicken wings as (I, me).
8. My uncle came to visit, and my dad and (he, him) watched the
Eagles play the Giants.
9. I’m very tall, but my sister is even taller than (I, me).
Subject Pronoun Practice
1. (We, Us) mystery fans have started a club at our school.
2. Sometimes, (we, us) students get tired of the cafeteria food.
3. Brittany and I don’t always get along; in fact, (she, her) and I
fight all the time.
4. After the game, my friends and (I, me) went to Dairy Queen
for some ice cream.
5. At Andew’s party, (him, he) and I played Guitar Hero all
night.
6. Over the break, Jamie and (I, me) went to see three new
movies.
7. No one can eat as many chicken wings as (I, me).
8. My uncle came to visit, and my dad and (he, him) watched the
Eagles play the Giants.
9. I’m very tall, but my sister is even taller than (I, me).
Skills Check:
1. After our morning run, my sister and (me/I) had a huge
breakfast.
2. (Us/we) Americans are lucky to have freedom on speech.
3. I have two best friends; (them and me/ they and I) hang out all
the time.
4. My brother and I are competitive, so (him and me / he and I)
are always trying to outdo each other.
5. No one can eat more pizza than (I/ me).
6. Mrs. Wilson is always giving out green slips, and (us/we) kids
are sick of it.
Skills Check:
1. After our morning run, my sister and (me/ I) had a huge
breakfast.
2. (Us/ we) Americans are lucky to have freedom on speech.
3. I have two best friends; (them and me/ they and I) hang out all
the time.
4. My brother and I are competitive, so (him and me / he and I)
are always trying to outdo each other.
5. No one can eat more pizza than (I/ me).
6. Mrs. Wilson is always giving out green slips, and (us/we) kids
are sick of it.
Object Pronouns are used as a direct
object, indirect object or object of the
preposition or verb
Singular
First Person
Second Person
Third Person
Object
me
you
him, her, it
Plural
First Person
Second Person
Third Person
us
you
them
EXAMPLES
I told her the whole story.
I can tell the story to you and him.
The secret is between you and me.
Strategy: Isolate the pronoun to make sure it is
correct
Which sounds correct?
My mom drove he and I to the dance.
My mom drove him and I to the dance
My mom drove him and me to the dance.
Isolate the pronoun. Now which sound better?
My mom drove he to the dance. My mom drove I to...
My mom drove him to the dance. My mom drove I to…
My mom drove him to the dance. My mom drove me to…
Correct: My mom drove him and me to the dance.
Object Pronoun Practice
1. The neighbor’s dog chased Joe, Danny and (I, me) down the
street.
2. On the field trip, Billy’s mom treated (he, him) and me to
lunch.
3. For my birthday, my dad took my sisters and (I, me) to the
beach for the day.
4. Sometimes it feels like adults never really listens to (we, us)
kids.
5. Between you and (I, me), I didn’t study as much as I should
have for that test.
6. She didn’t seem to care much about (we,us) voters.
7. During yesterday’s test, my teacher sent my friend and (I, me)
to the principal for cheating.
8. The principal gave (we, us) students a speech on bullying in
the auditorium.
Object Pronoun Practice
1. The neighbor’s dog chased Joe, Danny and (I, me) down the
street.
2. On the field trip, Billy’s mom treated (he, him) and me to
lunch.
3. For my birthday, my dad took my sisters and (I, me) to the
beach for the day.
4. Sometimes it feels like adults never really listens to (we, us)
kids.
5. Between you and (I, me), I didn’t study as much as I should
have for that test.
6. She didn’t seem to care much about (we, us) voters.
7. During yesterday’s test, my teacher sent my friend and (I, me)
to the principal for cheating.
8. The principal gave (we, us) students a speech on bullying in
the auditorium.
HW 1
1. Scared for our lives, Sam, Joe and (I, me) fled into the woods
from the wild dog.
2. A wild dog chased Sam, Joe and (I, me) into the woods.
3. My dad took my friends, Jane and Andrea, and (I, me) to the
movies.
4. Between you and (I, me), there is no such thing as Santa Claus.
5. My dad took my friend and (I, me) to an awesome skate park this
weekend!
6. I don’t want this one incident to come between you and (I, me).
7. The teacher gave Steve, Michael, Jennifer and (I, me) a detention
for talking.
8. Did you give John and (he, him) the books from the libary?
9. The students with the best grades are (they, them).
10.Dana hopes her friend and (she, her) will make the team.
HW 1
1. Scared for our lives, Sam, Joe and (I, me) fled into the woods
from the wild dog.
2. A wild dog chased Sam, Joe and (I, me) into the woods.
3. My dad took my friends, Jane and Andrea, and (I, me) to the
movies.
4. Between you and (I, me), there is no such thing as Santa Claus.
5. My dad took my friend and (I, me) to an awesome skate park this
weekend!
6. I don’t want this one incident to come between you and (I, me).
7. The teacher gave Steve, Michael, Jennifer and (I, me) a detention
for talking.
8. Did you give John and (he, him) the books from the libary?
9. The students with the best grades are (they, them).
10.Dana hopes her friend and (she, her) will make the team.
Skills Check
1. Mr. Carson told my friend and (I, me) to
stop disrupting class.
2. The bus driver doesn’t like (we, us)
students because we are too loud.
3. My parents tell me that I drive (they, them)
crazy.
4. My friend’s uncle took (he and I, him and
me) to a baseball game this past weekend.
5. Between (you and I, you and me), students
rarely have to actually go to the bathroom.
HW 2
1. (Who/whom) did you tell?
2. (Who/whom) invited you to the party
3. To (who/whom) did you give my name?
4. You gave (who/whom) a valentine?
5. Once you finish designing the video game, (who/whom)
will you invite to play it?
6. (Who/whom) will bring dessert to the party?
7. After the game, (who/whom) will the coach select as
MVP?
8. To (who/whom) am I speaking?
9. From (who/whom) did you received this letter?
10.(Who/whom) is the lead singer?
Skills Check
1. Mr. Carson told my friend and (I, me) to
stop disrupting class.
2. The bus driver doesn’t like (we, us)
students because we are too loud.
3. My parents tell me that I drive (they, them)
crazy.
4. My friend’s uncle took (he and I, him and
me) to a baseball game this past weekend.
5. Between (you and I, you and me), students
rarely have to actually go to the bathroom.
HW 2
1. (Who/whom) did you tell?
2. (Who/whom) invited you to the party
3. To (who/whom) did you give my name?
4. You gave (who/whom) a valentine?
5. Once you finish designing the video game, (who/whom)
will you invite to play it?
6. (Who/whom) will bring dessert to the party?
7. After the game, (who/whom) will the coach select as
MVP?
8. To (who/whom) am I speaking?
9. From (who/whom) did you received this letter?
10.(Who/whom) is the lead singer?
Mixed Practice
1.This past Sunday morning, my dad drove Sara and (I,
me) to the diner for breakfast.
2. Andrew and (I, me) hung out this weekend; (he, him)
and (I, me) went ice skating.
3. Mr. Johnson told Mike and (I, me) to finish our project
by Friday.
4. My best friend is sleeping over, so (she, her) and (I, me)
plan to stay up all night.
5. (We /Us) fans waited outside the stadium.
6. When the coach saw (we, us) players, he asked us to
carry the equipment bags.
7. Every girl who made the soccer team brought a parent
with (her, them) to the first meeting.
Mixed Practice
1.This past Sunday morning, my dad drove Sara and (I,
me) to the diner for breakfast.
2. Andrew and (I, me) hung out this weekend; (he, him)
and (I, me) went ice skating.
3. Mr. Johnson told Mike and (I, me) to finish our project
by Friday.
4. My best friend is sleeping over, so (she, her) and (I, me)
plan to stay up all night.
5. (We /Us) fans waited outside the stadium.
6. When the coach saw (we, us) players, he asked us to
carry the equipment bags.
7. Every girl who made the soccer team brought a parent
with (her, them) to the first meeting.
Who or Whom?
• he = who
him = whom
• Examples:
Who/Whom wrote the letter?
He wrote the letter. Therefore, who is
correct.
Who/Whom should I vote for?
Should I vote for
him? Therefore, whom is correct.
Who or Whom: Practice
1. I am looking for a classroom leader on
(who/whom) I can depend.
2. (Who/whom) should I ask to the dance?
3. (Who/whom) ate the last piece of apple pie?
4. You will be shocked when I tell you
(who/whom) called me last night.
5. (Who/Whom) is your closest friend?
6. (Who/Whom) will win the spelling bee this
year?
7. To (who/whom) did you send the email?
8. With (who/whom) did you go to the concert?
Who or Whom: Practice
1. I am looking for a classroom leader on
(who/whom) I can depend.
2. (Who/whom) should I ask to the dance?
3. (Who/whom) ate the last piece of apple pie?
4. You will be shocked when I tell you
(who/whom) called me last night.
5. (Who/Whom) is your closest friend?
6. (Who/Whom) will win the spelling bee this
year?
7. To (who/whom) did you send the email?
8. With (who/whom) did you go to the concert?
Antecedent: the word that a pronoun
replaces.
Pronouns must agree with
their antecedents in
number, person and
gender.
Agreement in Number
The Eagles have their
challenges this year.
Sam Bradford has thrown his
share of interceptions.
Agreement in person
Louis likes his mysteries to
have surprise enders.
You want a story to grab
your attention.
Agreement in gender
Lois Lowry sets many of her stories
in the future.
In The Giver, Jonah faces many
challenges in his world.
Agreement in number, person, and gender
1. Jane and Sarah said (she, they) were too tired to skate any
longer.
2. Jane and Jill called (her, their) friend.
3. Please remind your students to bring (his or her, their)
emergency cards tomorrow.
4. Every worker in this office needs (his or her, their) own
computer.
5. The woman’s son refused to carry (his, their) own
backpack.
6. Beth and Jane reported another student to (her, their)
teacher.
7. The group finally finished (its, their) project.
8. The choir completed (its, their) final performance.
Agreement in number, person, and gender
1. Jane and Sarah said (she, they) were too tired to skate any
longer.
2. Jane and Jill called (her, their) friend.
3. Please remind your students to bring (his or her, their)
emergency cards tomorrow.
4. Every worker in this office needs (his or her, their) own
computer.
5. The woman’s son refused to carry (his, their) own
backpack.
6. Beth and Jane reported another student to (her, their)
teacher.
7. The group finally finished (its, their) project.
8. The choir completed (its, their) final performance.
More Practice:
1. Either Bill or John will bring a sample of (his, their) own
work.
2. Mary and Sue said (she, they) would be early.
3. Every student wants to impress (his or her, their)
professors.
4. John and Jim said (he, they) were not exercising regularly.
5. The jury members were asked to return to (its, their) seats.
6. John and Bob were willing to admit that (he, they) had
cheated.
7. The sisters studied together to prepare for (her, their)
midterms.
8. Not one member of the soccer team remembered to bring
(his, their) money for team pictures.
More Practice:
1. Either Bill or John will bring a sample of (his, their) own
work.
2. Mary and Sue said (she, they) would be early.
3. Every student wants to impress (his or her, their)
professors.
4. John and Jim said (he, they) were not exercising regularly.
5. The jury members were asked to return to (its, their) seats.
6. John and Bob were willing to admit that (he, they) had
cheated.
7. The sisters studied together to prepare for (her, their)
midterms.
8. Not one member of the soccer team remembered to bring
(his, their) money for team pictures.
Confusing Pronouns Usage
• An confusing pronoun reference is one in which the
antecedent is not clear. Take the following sentences for
example:
Confusing Reference:
After I go to the store, I’ll drive over to pick her up.
• Who is her? Unless the antecedent appeared earlier in the
text, this is an ambiguous reference.
Confusing Reference:
The players
• No problem here. She and her refer to Cynthia.
What’s Wrong?
1. Edwin told Kenny that Dr. Wilson suspected
that he cheated on the chemistry exam.
2. Jane discussed the new strategy with Jill. She
decided to go ahead as planned. .
3. On the news today, it said that a sinkhole appeared
on Primrose Avenue.
4. Jane says the course is fun to teach because it’s
small, and they’re motivated.
5. Take the books from the shelves and dust them
with a clean cloth.
What’s Wrong?
1. Edwin told Kenny that Dr. Wilson suspected
that Edwin cheated on the chemistry exam.
2. Jane discussed the new strategy with Jill. Jane
decided to go ahead as planned. .
3. On the news today, a reporter said that a sinkhole
appeared on Primrose Avenue.
4. Jane says the course is fun to teach because the
class is small, and the students motivated.
5. Take the books from the shelves and dust the
shelves with a clean cloth.
These pronouns have no
antecedent. Replace them!
1. He ate everything on his plate but did not
even thank us for it.
2. I liked the game, but they were rude.
3. They all wanted to see the show, but he
wouldn’t let them in.
4. He gave him the money to deposit.
5. Although Mrs. Smith was wealthy, she
made poor use of it.
Indefinite pronouns
Singular: another
everybody
nothing
anybody
everyone
one
anyone
everything
somebody
anything
neither
someone
each
no one
__________________________________________________
Plural:
both
few
many
several
__________________________________________________
Both:
all
any
most
none
some
Some are singular
Everyone took his or her
camera to the lake.
One dropped his camera in
the water by mistake.
Some are plural
Several reported their
sightings of the monster.
Many could not believe
their own eyes!
Some can be either
Most of the monster story has
its origin in fantasy.
Most of the monster stories
have their origins in fantasy.
Indefinite Pronoun Practice
1. Most of the library books (has, have) been returned.
2. Everybody on the bus (was, were) going to Cleveland.
3. Few of the men (is, are) going to play in the tournament.
4. Neither of the two senators (has, have) explained the
matter.
5. All of us (is, are) hoping that Steve will win.
6. Nobody (knows, know) the answer to your question.
7. Several of the retired men (has, have) started volunteer
tutoring at the school.
8 One of them (is, are) badly mistaken.
9 Everyone at the birthday party (was, were) somehow
related to Jean.
Indefinite Pronoun Practice
1. Most of the library books (has, have) been returned.
2. Everybody on the bus (was, were) going to Cleveland.
3. Few of the men (is, are) going to play in the tournament.
4. Neither of the two senators (has, have) explained the
matter.
5. All of us (is, are) hoping that Steve will win.
6. Nobody (knows, know) the answer to your question.
7. Several of the retired men (has, have) started volunteer
tutoring at the school.
8 One of them (is, are) badly mistaken.
9 Everyone at the birthday party (was, were) somehow
related to Jean.
More Indefinite Pronoun Practice
10. No one (is, are) doing his best work.
11. (Is, Are) there any of the pie left?
12. Both of the girls (is, are) going to Ohio State next fall.
13. Many of the club members (wants, want) to visit
Disneyland.
14. (Is, Are) somebody looking for a lost glove?
15. Some of the salad (has, have) been eaten.
16. Some of us (has, have) never ridden bicycles before.
17. None of the milk (was, were) sour.
18. Each of us (was, were) planning a trip.
19. (Has, Have) anyone seen my sweater?
20. Both of the girls (is, are) good singers.
More Indefinite Pronoun Practice
10. No one (is, are) doing his best work.
11. (Is, Are) there any of the pie left?
12. Both of the girls (is, are) going to Ohio State next fall.
13. Many of the club members (wants, want) to visit
Disneyland.
14. (Is, Are) somebody looking for a lost glove?
15. Some of the salad (has, have) been eaten.
16. Some of us (has, have) never ridden bicycles before.
17. None of the milk (was, were) sour.
18. Each of us (was, were) planning a trip.
19. (Has, Have) anyone seen my sweater?
20. Both of the girls (is, are) good singers.
Indefinite Pronoun HW 3
1. Neither Mary nor Laura has turned in (her, their) report.
2. Anybody can learn to set up (his or her, their) own tent.
3. Each of the boys takes care of (his, their) own room.
4. Neither Tom nor Jim can give (his, their) report today.
5. Anyone can join our group if (he or she, they) is really
interested.
6. The team can't play (its, their) best when it's too hot.
7. Either Bill or Tony will lend you (his, their) book.
8. Everyone should do (his or her, their) best work on the
project.
9. George wants to go into politics; he finds (it, them) exciting.
10. Everyone should be in (his or her, their) seat before the
curtain goes up.
Indefinite Pronoun HW 3
1. Neither Mary nor Laura has turned in (her, their) report.
2. Anybody can learn to set up (his or her, their) own tent.
3. Each of the boys takes care of (his, their) own room.
4. Neither Tom nor Jim can give (his, their) report today.
5. Anyone can join our group if (he or she, they) is really
interested.
6. The team can't play (its, their) best when it's too hot.
7. Either Bill or Tony will lend you (his, their) book.
8. Everyone should do (his or her, their) best work on the
project.
9. George wants to go into politics; he finds (it, them) exciting.
10. Everyone should be in (his or her, their) seat before the
curtain goes up.
Indefinite Pronoun HW 4
1. Some of the team are wearing (his, their) new helmets.
2. Every class officer will do (his or her, their) best.
3. I find that playing bridge is hard on (my, your) nerves.
4. Some of the vanilla has lost (its, their) flavor.
5. Everybody will receive (his or her, their) scores in the mail.
6. Someone will be disappointed by (his, their) grade on the
exam.
7. One should not worry too much about (his or her, their) past
mistakes.
8. Each of us is prepared to give (his or her, their) speech on
Thursday.
9. Has anyone lost (her, their) jacket?
10.Nobody plays (his or her, their) best when the humidity is
very high.
Indefinite Pronoun HW 4
1. Some of the team are wearing (his, their) new helmets.
2. Every class officer will do (his or her, their) best.
3. I find that playing bridge is hard on (my, your) nerves.
4. Some of the vanilla has lost (its, their) flavor.
5. Everybody will receive (his or her, their) scores in the mail.
6. Someone will be disappointed by (his, their) grade on the
exam.
7. One should not worry too much about (his or her, their) past
mistakes.
8. Each of us is prepared to give (his or her, their) speech on
Thursday.
9. Has anyone lost (his, their) jacket?
10.Nobody plays (his or her, their) best when the humidity is
very high.
Enrichment and Reinforcement
• http://www.eduplace.com/kids/hme/6_8/grammar/gr6/0606/00.html?qseq=0,6,5,7
,9,3,1,8,4,2&at=0&curq=0&score=0
• http://www.eduplace.com/kids/hme/6_8/grammar/gr7/launcher.html?qid=0706
• http://www.quia.com/rr/609738.html
• http://www.proprofs.com/quiz-school/quizshow.php?title=pronoun-antecedentagreement_2&q=1
• http://www.chompchomp.com/hotpotatoes/proagree01.htm
• http://www.chompchomp.com/hotpotatoes/proagree03.htm
• http://gcumedia.com/lms-resources/student-success-center/grammarbooster/quiz-03/index.html