Pronoun Errors: Subjective and Objective

Contributor: Allison Crews. Lesson ID: 13654

Pronouns are valuable sentence parts, but they can be a little tricky to work with if you aren't sure of the rules. Practice correcting errors with subject and object pronouns in this lesson.

categories

Grammar, Writing

subject
English / Language Arts
learning style
Visual
personality style
Lion, Otter
Grade Level
High School (9-12)
Lesson Type
Quick Query

Lesson Plan - Get It!

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Think about what a pronoun is.

pronoun in dictionary

A pronoun is a word that stands in place of a noun or noun phrase referred to elsewhere in a sentence.

Sometimes pronouns function as sentence subjects, and sometimes they function as objects.

Keep going to find out how!

What is a subjective pronoun?

A subjective pronoun acts as the subject in a sentence.

Examples of subjective pronouns:

  • I
  • you
  • she
  • he
  • we
  • it
  • they

I want to run for class president.

I is a subjective pronoun because it is acting as the subject of this sentence.

What is an objective pronoun?

Objective pronouns are used as objects in a sentence. Objects receive the action of the verb.

There are three main types of objects:

  • direct objects
  • indirect objects
  • objects of the preposition

They cannot be the subject; therefore, they cannot be acting out the verb. This form of pronoun is the one most often used incorrectly.

Examples of objective pronouns:

  • him
  • her
  • me
  • you
  • us
  • it
  • them

The curry dish was too hot for us.

Us is an objective pronoun because it is acting as the object in this sentence.

Yes, because some of the pronouns can be used in more than one case, it can be confusing. This is why it is important to know the reason that each pronoun and case is used, rather than just trying to memorize which pronouns are listed as which case.

pronoun chart

Take a look at these examples:

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  • Do you feel confident that you understand the difference between subject and object pronouns?

Continue in the Got It? section to practice with more sentences.

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