Subject, Object, and Possessive Pronouns

Lesson 1 Subject, Object, and Possessive Pronouns

 

 Essential Question

How do we know which pronouns to use when we communicate?


Grammar in the World

pronoun comic  

That just doesn’t sound right, does it? But how do you know which pronoun to use so that it would sound correct? That’s where knowing what subject, object, and possessive pronouns are and how they are used within the structure of a sentence can help. 

Our goal in communication is to translate our ideas into words, phrases, and sentences that make sense and that articulate the ideas we want to get across. Pronouns help us communicate in such a way that our sentences flow smoothly. It’s important, though, to know which pronouns to use in which context. Read the following paragraph. 

What Do I Know?

What do you know about subject, object, and possessive pronouns? Take this quiz to find out.

Building Blocks

Grammar is a complex system and structure of language. Mizzou Academy Grammar Lab spotlights one skill (or block) at a time. It is also helpful to see how each skill works together with other, related blocks to build the language structure as a whole. You may find the following resource topics helpful as context for this lesson:

Learn About Subject, Object, and Possessive Pronouns

Before we learn the differences between subject, object, and possessive pronouns, first watch this video about subject and object pronouns:

 Video: Subject and Object Pronouns

 

Source: Shmoop

 

 

Now, let’s dig deeper into these different types of pronouns, starting with subject pronouns.

A subject pronoun is a pronoun that replaces a previously introduced noun (known as the antecedent) as the subject of a sentence. (Remember: a subject is the person or thing working with the verb to describe the main idea of a sentence.) 

Subject Pronoun

Example

I

My name is Jill. I love grammar. (“I” has the antecedent “Jill.”)

you

You won first place in the photography competition! (“You” replaces the name of the addressed person or people.)

he/she

Mirella’s birthday is tomorrow. She wants to go to a sushi restaurant to celebrate.

  • “She” has the antecedent “Mirella.” 

it

Could you please put the chocolate cake on the counter? We can eat it after we have dinner.

  • “It” has the antecedent “cake.” 

we

Matt and I are going to go on a walk. We made a New Year’s resolution to get more exercise.

  • "We" has the antecedent "Matt and I." 

they

I love the smell of those flowers, but they are making me sneeze.

  • “They” has the antecedent “flowers.”

While a subject pronoun works with the verb to describe the main idea of a sentence, an object pronoun can receive the action of the verb or follow a preposition. 

Object Pronoun

Example

me

Can you please get a soda for me out of the refrigerator?

  • “Me” replaces the speaker's name.

you

Kent wants to meet up with you to play basketball after you do your homework.

  • “You” replaces the addressed person's name.

him/her/them

Jake asked Sarah to go on a date with him.

  • “Him” has the antecedent “Jake.”

it

The fireplace radiated with a cozy glow. We enjoyed playing games beside it on cold winter evenings.

  • “It” has as antecedent “fireplace.”

us

The barista always puts extra shots of espresso in the lattes she makes for Alyssa and me. I think she likes us.

  • “Us” refers to “Alyssa and the speaker.” 

them

Sadie likes watching comedies on the weekend. She watches them to help her unwind after a stressful week.

  • “Them” has as antecedent “comedies.” 

Remember: Object pronouns receive the action of the verb or follow a preposition. 

We still have another type of pronoun to learn about: possessive pronouns. If subject pronouns are subjects and object pronouns are objects, possessive pronouns show ownership or possession

Here is a short video that explains possessive pronouns:

 

 

Possessive Pronoun

Examples

my/ mine

The bruschetta on the table is mine (i.e. my bruschetta).

your(s)

The chips and salsa on the table are yours (i.e. your chips and salsa)

his/her(s)

The nachos on the table are his (i.e. his nachos)

its

The tree shook its leaves (i.e. the tree's leaves).

our(s)

The basket of chicken wings on the table is ours (i.e. our basket.) 

their(s)

The French fries on the table are theirs (i.e. their French fries)

 

 

Grammar Moment: Its vs. It's

We often think of "its" as a possessive pronoun. For example, “The barbecue wing dipped its sauce all over my shirt.” However, the word “its” in this instance is actually a possessive adjective (modifying the noun “sauce”) rather than a pronoun. It’s really easy to confuse the use of “its” and “it’s,” though, so let’s pause a moment just to review when to use “it’s” and when to use “its.” 

The word “it’s” is a contraction for “it is” – It’s a beautiful day.

The word “its” is a possessive adjective – The tree shook its leaves. 

Whenever you are not sure whether to write “it’s” or “its,” just ask yourself if the sentence would make sense if you changed “it’s” to “it is.” If so, then use the contraction: it’s. If not, then just write “its.”  

Do I Get It?

As a review, let’s put the pronouns all together:

Types of Pronouns

Subject

Object

Possessive

I

me

my/mine

you

you

your(s)

he/she

him/her

his/her(s)

it

it

its

we

us

our(s)

they

them

their(s)