The Pronoun

The Pronoun
A pronoun is a word used in place of a noun. We use pronouns to avoid the repetition of nouns. Example:
1a. Ravi is 9 years old. Ravi studies at Holy Cross School in std. IV. Ravi goes to school by bus.
1b. Ravi is 9 years old. He studies at Holy Cross School in std. IV. He goes to school by bus.

Case of Pronouns

RULE 1

When a pronoun is the subject of a verb, it is in the nominative case.

E.g.-

I like ice cream.

He is my best friend.

They know me well.

My friends and I

RULE-2

When a pronoun is the Object of a verb, it is in the Objective case.

E.g.-

1. Raj will inform us as soon as possible.
2. Sneha will lead them on this project.
3. Ravi helps her with cooking.

RULE-3 

When a pronoun is the Object of a preposition, it is in the Objective case.

E.g.-

1. Speak to me.
2. Go with her.
3. We’ll send a letter to them.
4. Nobody but her was dressed for the party.
5. Everyone came on time but him.
6. I want to speak like her. 

RULE-4

The nominative case is used after a ‘to-be’ verb.

To-be verbs don’t show action but the state of being. Eg.- is, am, are, was, were, be, been.

E.g.-

Was it he you were talking to?

It is he.

It will be they.

Consider this ‘than me or than I’

Both are correct.

There are two ways in which you can consider this sentence:

1. ‘Than’ as preposition: If we consider ‘than’ as a preposition, then the object of the preposition will be in the objective case.

             Neha is more beautiful than me.

2. ‘Than’ as conjunction: If we consider ‘than’ as a conjunction joining two clauses, then the clauses are:
3. a) Neha is more beautiful (1^st clause)
4. b) than (conjunction)
5. c) I am. (2^nd clause) ‘Am’ is not mentioned but understood.

The nominative form I is used because it is the subject of the verb am.

           Neha is more beautiful than I.

 EXERCISE

Choose a nominative pronoun as the subject of a verb or after ‘to-be’ verbs

Choose an objective pronoun as the object of a verb or as the object of the preposition

1. Was it (she /her) you were talking about?
2. It is (we/us) you will have to answer if anything goes wrong.
3. (He/Him) is our best worker.
4. Let’s keep this information between (we/us) men.
5. He spoke to you and (I/me) as if we were babies.
6. (Me/I) and my friends went shopping. 
7. Now it is (I/me) who am at a loss of words.
8. Was it (they/them) who gave you all that misinformation?
9. An Indian is (he/him) who loves India.
10. That picture doesn’t look a bit like (I/me).
11. After school, you and (I/me) must discuss a few things.
12. Between you and (I/me), Neha is a liar.
13. (Who/Whom) were you talking to?
14. Was it (she/her) you were talking to?
15. He is taller than (I/me).
16. Are the Afghans freer in their personal lives than (we/us)?
17. Government restrictions affect the North Koreans more than (we/ us).
18. (Who/Whom) do you want for the P.M.?
19. (Who/Whom) do you think you are?
20. This is the man (who/whom) I believe can help you.