Rules of Using Pronouns

Rules of Using Pronouns

What is pronoun reference? 

A pronoun takes the place of a noun; thus, the pronoun must agree in number and person with the noun it replaces. Also, it must be clear which noun the pronoun is substituting for. The noun that the pronoun is the substitute for is called the antecedent.

The Basic Rules of Pronoun Reference

Antecedent 

1.
  • Pronouns must agree in number, person, and gender with their antecedents.
  • An antecedent must be explicit (mentioned) in the sentence. Don’t make the reader guess what the antecedent is.
Incorrect: In the study, they state that writing skills are important.
Correct: In the study, the researchers state that writing skills are important.

2.

A possessive noun should not be the antecedent of a pronoun because a possessive noun functions as an adjective and so it can’t be replaced with a pronoun. 

Incorrect: In the professor’s comments, she was very encouraging.
Correct: The professor’s comments were very encouraging.
Correct: The professor was very encouraging in her comments.

3. 
 A first-person antecedent follows a first-person pronoun. A second-person antecedent follows a second-person pronoun. A third-person antecedent follows a third-person pronoun.
Incorrect: If we work sincerely, you should succeed.
Correct: If we work sincerely, we should succeed.
Incorrect: If you work sincerely, they should succeed.
Correct: If you work sincerely, you should succeed.
Incorrect: If a man works sincerely, you should succeed.
Correct: If a man works sincerely, he should succeed.

4.

If the antecedent is singular, the pronoun must be singular. If the antecedent is plural, the pronoun must be plural.

Incorrect: Everyone is doing their work sincerely.
Correct: Everyone is doing his or her work sincerely.

Incorrect: Mike and Bill are going to his room.
Correct: Mike and Bill are going to their room.

5.

If the antecedent is masculine gender, we use ‘he’. If the antecedent is feminine gender, we use ‘she’. 

Incorrect: Ricky has lost her books.
Correct: Ricky has lost his books.

Incorrect: She loves his husband.
Correct: She loves her husband.

6.

When two or more singular nouns joined by ‘and’ denote different persons or things, we use a plural pronoun for them.

Incorrect: Ricky and Micky have lost his books.
Correct: Ricky and Micky have lost their books.

7.

When two or more singular nouns joined by ‘and’ denote same person or thing, we use a singular pronoun for them.

Incorrect: The headmaster and secretary of the school is sincere in their work.
Correct: The headmaster and secretary of the school is sincere in his work.

8.

When two or more singular nouns joined by ‘and’ are preceded by ‘each’ and ‘every’, the pronoun must be singular.

Incorrect: Every student and every teacher took their seat.
Correct: Every student and every teacher took his or her seat.
Incorrect: Each of the boy and the girl have done their work.
Correct: Each of the boy and the girl has done his or her work.

Incorrect: Each man and each boy in the party have got their share.
Correct: Each man and each boy in the party has got his share.

9.

When a singular noun and a plural noun are combined by ‘or’, ‘either-----or’, ‘neither-----nor’, the singular noun usually comes first in the sentence and the pronoun must be in the plural number.

Incorrect: Either the manager or his subordinates failed in his duty in sending the official message.
Correct: Either the manager or his subordinates failed in their duty in sending the official message.

10.

When two or more singular nouns are joined by ‘either-----or’, ‘neither-----nor’ the pronoun is always in the singular form.

Incorrect: Either Ram or Mohan should invest their money in some business.
Correct: Either Ram or Mohan should invest his money in some business.
Incorrect: Ram nor Shyam confessed their guilt. 
Correct: Neither Ram nor Shyam confessed his guilt. 
Incorrect: Either Sita or Kamla forgot to take their prize.
Correct: Either Sita or Kamla forgot to take her prize.

11.

When a pronoun stands for a collective noun, it must be in the singular number and in the neuter gender if the collective noun is viewed as a whole.

Incorrect: The Jury gave their verdict.
Correct: The Jury gave its verdict.
Incorrect: The Jury were divided in its opinions.
Correct: The Jury were divided in their opinions.

Rules of Using Personal Pronouns

The rules for using personal pronouns in English vary depending on the context and the specific pronoun being used. Here are some general guidelines:

1. Subject Pronouns:

Subject pronouns are used when the pronoun is the subject of a sentence or clause. The subject pronouns in English are "I," "you," "he," "she," "it," "we," and "they." For example:

  • I am going to the store.
  • He is a doctor.
  • We are studying for the exam.
When any pronoun functions as the complement of the verb ‘to be’, it is always in the nominative case.
Incorrect: It is me who have to go. 
Correct: It is I who have to go. 
Incorrect: It is him who is to blame.
Correct: It is he who is to blame. 

2. Object Pronouns:

Object pronouns are used when the pronoun is the object of a verb or preposition. The object pronouns in English are "me," "you," "him," "her," "it," "us," and "them."

For example:

  • She gave me a book.
  • They invited us to the party.

When a pronoun functions as an object of the main verb or a preposition, it is in the objective case.

Incorrect: It is for he to consider.
Correct: It is for him to consider. 
Incorrect: Ask he to go.
Correct: Ask him to go.

When a personal pronoun is connected by a conjunction with some other word in the objective case, it must be in the objective (accusative) case. 

Incorrect: These clothes are for I and me.
Correct: These clothes are for you and me.

A pronoun should be used in the objective case in a sentence beginning with Let.

Incorrect: Let he go to his office.
Correct: Let him go to his office.
Incorrect: Let she submit the records in time.
Correct: Let her submit the records in time.
After ‘but’, ‘except’, ‘between’ and ‘let’ the pronoun is used in the objective case.
Incorrect: Everyone laughed but I.
Correct: Everyone laughed but me.
Incorrect: None attended the meeting except he.
Correct: None attended the meeting except him.
Incorrect: Let we laugh away our sorrows.
Correct: Let us laugh away our sorrows.
Incorrect: This is between you and I.
Correct: This is between you and me.

3. Possessive Adjectives:

Possessive adjectives show ownership or possession and are used to modify nouns. The possessive adjectives in English are "my," "your," "his," "her," "its," "our," and "their."

For example:

  • This is my car.
  • Is this your pen?

4. Possessive Pronouns:

Possessive pronouns are used to indicate ownership or possession and can stand alone without modifying a noun. The possessive pronouns in English are "mine," "yours," "his," "hers," "its," "ours," and "theirs."

For example:

  • The red car is mine.
  • Is this pen yours?

5. Reflexive Pronouns:

We use reflexive pronouns when the subject and the object in a sentence refer to the same person or thing. There are 9 reflexive pronouns in English: "myself," "yourself," "himself," "herself," "itself," "ourselves," "yourselves," "themselves, and "oneself"." 

For example:

  • I hurt myself while playing.
  • She blames herself for the mistake.

6. Intensive Pronouns:

Intensive pronouns are used to add emphasis to a noun or pronoun in a sentence. The intensive pronouns in English are the same as the reflexive pronouns. For example:

  • I myself witnessed the event.
  • He himself solved the problem.

It's important to note that personal pronouns should be used appropriately to match the gender and number of the noun or antecedent they are referring to. Additionally, pronouns should be used consistently and clearly to avoid confusion in communication.

7. Order of Pronouns

While confessing a fault (or expressing a negative idea) the sequence of the personal pronouns should be as follows. [First person first (1) + second person (2) + third person (3)]

Incorrect: You, he and I are in the wrong and will be punished.
Correct: I, you and he are in the wrong and will be punished.

While expressing a positive idea or praise, the sequence of the personal pronouns should be as follows. [Second person (2), third person (3), and first person (1)] 

Incorrect: I, he and you will get an award for the good work we have done.
Correct: You, He and I will get an award for the good work we have done.
Incorrect: He, you and I have finished the work.
Correct: You, he and I have finished the work.
Incorrect: Ram, I and you have finished our studies.
Correct: You, Ram and I have finished our studies.
8. It
If we use “it” to refer to one noun in a sentence, we should not use it again to refer to another noun in the same sentence.
Incorrect: When it is raining, I like to read, as it gives me a lot of pleasure.
Correct: When it is raining, I like to read, which gives me a lot of pleasure.
Incorrect: When it is raining, I like to read, as it gives me a lot of pleasure.
Correct: When it is raining, I like to read, which gives me a lot of pleasure.
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Rules of Using Relative Pronouns

We use relative pronouns to connect a dependent clause to the main clause in a sentence. They introduce a relative clause that provides additional information about a noun or pronoun. Here are the rules for using relative pronouns in English:

1. Who

"Who" is used to refer to people. It is used as the subject of the relative clause.

For example:

  • The man who works hard can success in life.
  • People who live in glass house should not throw stones at others.

2. Whom

"Whom" is used to refer to people. It is used as the object of the verb or preposition in the relative clause. 

For example:

  • The man whom you met in the shop is a designer.
  • People whom you love you most will often hurt you most.

3. Which

"Which" is used to refer to animals or things. It is used as the subject or object of the verb in the relative clause. For example:

  • The house which was built fifty years ago collapsed last night.
  • The car which I bought last month is very fast.

4. That

"That" can be used to refer to people, animals, or things. It is used as the subject or object of the verb in the relative clause. For example:

  • The man that you met in the shop is a designer.
  • The car that I bought last month is very fast.

5. Whose

"Whose" is used to show possession and is used with people, animals, or things. It is placed before a noun to indicate that the noun belongs to someone or something. For example:

  • The man whose car was stolen reported it to the police."

6. Where

"Where" is used to refer to a place or location. It is used to introduce a relative clause that describes a place. For example:

  • This is the house where I was born.
  • These are the places where we pass our leisure.

7. When

"When" is used to refer to a specific time or period. It is used to introduce a relative clause that describes a time. For example:

  • I remember the day when we first met.
  • The year when she graduated was 2010.

8. Why

"Why" is used to refer to a reason or cause. It is used to introduce a relative clause that provides an explanation or justification. For example:

  • Tell me the reason why you said so. 
  • That is the explanation why the project was delayed.

Remember to use the appropriate relative pronoun based on the noun or pronoun being referred to and the role it plays in the relative clause (subject, object, possession, place, time, or reason). Additionally, ensure that the verb forms and word order are correct within the relative clause.

Rule—19: The pronouns who, whom, whose are generally used for persons
  • Who- Nominative case
  • Whom- Objective case 
  • Whose- Possessive case
Incorrect: Shikha is the student which got an award.
Correct: Shikha is the student who got an award.
Incorrect: They are the thieves which the police caught. 
Correct: They are the thieves whom the police caught. 
Incorrect: This is the student that certificates are lost.
Correct: This is the student whose certificates are lost.

Rule—20: Use of ‘Which’

(a) For infants, small animals, and objects.

Incorrect: This is the baby who was lost in the theater.
Correct: This is the baby which was lost in the theater.
Incorrect: This is the dog whom my friend bought from the U.S.
Correct: This is the dog which my friend bought from the U.S.

(b) When selection is expressed.

Incorrect: What of these television sets do you want to purchase?
Correct: Which of these television sets do you want to purchase?

(c) To refer to a sentence.

Incorrect: He was said to be drunk, that was not true.
Correct: He was said to be drunk, that was not true.

Rule—21: Uses of ‘That’

(a) For persons, lifeless things, and small animals in the singular or in the plural number.

Incorrect: This is the girl which failed in the exam. 
Correct: This is the girl that failed in the exam.
Incorrect: This is the Radio whom I bought yesterday.
Correct: This is the Radio that I bought yesterday.
(b) As a substitute for a singular noun already mentioned.
Incorrect: The weather of Hyderabad is far better than Chennai.
Correct: The weather of Hyderabad is far better than that of Chennai.

Rule—25: “Which,” “That” & “This”

These pronouns can refer to entire sentences and paragraphs, as well as single nouns, they must be used precisely. 

Incorrect: My professor accused me of plagiarism. This was unethical.
Problem: Which was unethical: the accusation or the author’s plagiarism?
Correct: My professor’s accusation of plagiarism was unethical.

Rule—26: “Who,” “Which” & “That”

The pronoun “who” is used to refer to people and animals that have names. The pronoun “which” is used to refer to things and animals that don’t have names. The pronoun “that” is used to refer to things, animals that don’t have names, and, rarely, collective or anonymous people. Avoid mixing up these pronouns.

Incorrect: A student that studies hard will succeed.
Correct: A student who studies hard will succeed.

Rules of Using Demonstrative Pronouns

Demonstrative pronouns are used to point to or identify specific people, objects, or places. They can replace a noun and indicate proximity or distance in relation to the speaker. Here are the rules for using demonstrative pronouns in English:

1. This

"This" is used to indicate a person, object, or place that is close to the speaker. For example:

  • This is my book.
  • I like this restaurant.

2. That

"That" is used to indicate a person, object, or place that is farther away from the speaker. For example:

  • That is her car.
  • I want to visit that museum.

3. These

"These" is the plural form of "this" and is used to indicate people, objects, or places that are close to the speaker. For example:

  • These are my friends.
  • I bought these shoes yesterday.

4. Those

"Those" is the plural form of "that" and is used to indicate people, objects, or places that are farther away from the speaker. For example:

  • Those are beautiful flowers.
  • I need to return those books to the library.

5. Demonstrative pronouns can also be used as determiners when they are followed by a noun. In this case, they function as adjectives rather than pronouns. For example:

  • This book is interesting. (determiner)
  • I like that car. (determiner)

It's important to note that demonstrative pronouns do not require an antecedent (a noun or pronoun they refer to) in the same sentence. They can stand alone and indicate the specific person, object, or place being referred to. Additionally, demonstrative pronouns should match the number (singular or plural) and proximity (close or far) of the noun or object being identified.

Rules of Using Interrogative Pronouns

Interrogative pronouns are used to ask questions and gather information about people or things. They are used when the speaker does not have knowledge of the specific noun or information being sought. Here are the rules for using interrogative pronouns in English:

1. Who

"Who" is used to ask about a person or people. It is used as the subject of the sentence or clause. For example:

  • Who is going to the party?
  • Who is your favorite actor?

2. Whom

"Whom" is used to ask about a person or people. It is used as the object of a verb or preposition. For example:

  • Whom did you invite to the wedding?
  • With whom did you go to the concert?

3. What

"What" is used to ask about a thing or an action. It can refer to both singular and plural nouns. For example:

  • What is your favorite color?
  • What are you doing this weekend?

4. Which

"Which" is used to ask about a choice or selection from a specific set. It is used with both people and things. For example:

  • Which book did you choose for your book club?
  • Which movie do you want to watch?

5. Whose

"Whose" is used to ask about ownership or possession. It is used to inquire about the person to whom something belongs. For example:

  • Whose bag is this?
  • Whose car did you borrow?

6. Whosever

"Whosever" is a compound form of "whose" used to ask about possession, but with a broader sense of ownership. It is used to inquire about possession by any person or group. For example:

  • Whosever idea this was, it's brilliant!

7. Whomever

"Whomsoever" is a compound form of "whom" used to ask about a person, particularly in formal or literary contexts. It is used as the object of a verb or preposition. For example:

  • To whomsoever it may concern, please address your letters to this address.

It's important to note that interrogative pronouns are used specifically in questions and are designed to elicit information. They can help clarify unknowns and gather details about people, things, or actions.

Rules of Using Indefinite Pronouns

Indefinite pronouns are used to refer to nonspecific people, things, or amounts. They do not refer to any particular person or object and are used when the specific identity or number is unknown or irrelevant. Here are the rules for using indefinite pronouns in English:

1. "Somebody," "somebody," and "someone" refer to a person who is not specified or known. For example:

  • "Somebody called for you while you were out."
  • "Is there someone who can help me?"

2. "Anybody," "anyone," and "anybody" refer to any person without specifying a particular individual. For example:

  • "Does anyone have a pen I can borrow?"
  • "Anybody can join the club."

3. "Everybody," "everyone," and "everybody" refer to all people or every person in a group. For example:

  • "Everybody enjoyed the party."
  • "Everyone needs to submit their assignments."

4. "Nobody," "no one," and "none" refer to no person or not any person. For example:

  • "Nobody knows the answer to that question."
  • "No one showed up to the meeting."

5. "Something" refers to an unspecified thing. For example:

  • "I found something interesting in the attic."

6. "Anything" refers to any unspecified thing. For example:

  • "You can choose anything from the menu."

7. "Everything" refers to all things or every single thing. For example:

  • I have to everything in my house.

8. "Nothing" refers to no thing or not anything. For example:

  • "There is nothing in the fridge."

9. "Somewhere" refers to an unspecified place. For example:

  • "Let's go somewhere fun this weekend."

10. "Anywhere" refers to any unspecified place. For example:

  • "You can sit anywhere you like."

11. "Everywhere" refers to all places or every place. For example:

  • "Tourists were everywhere in the city."

12. "Nowhere" refers to no place or not any place. For example:

  • Nowhere shall you find me then.

It's important to note that indefinite pronouns are typically singular in form and require singular verb agreement. However, some indefinite pronouns such as "some," "any," and "all" can also be used as determiners followed by a plural noun, in which case they take on a plural meaning. Additionally, indefinite pronouns should be used with care to ensure clarity in communication and to avoid ambiguity.

Rule—8: When in a sentence ‘one’ is used as the subject, all the pronouns in the sentence must be changed into ‘one’ or ‘one’s’ and not his, her or him.
Incorrect:  One should keep his promise.
Correct: One should keep one’s promise.
Incorrect: One should do their duty.
Correct: One should do one’s duty.

Incorrect: One must finish her task in time.
Correct: One must finish one’s task in time.


Rule—16: ‘Some’ is used in affirmative sentences to express quantity or degree. ‘Any’ is used in negative or interrogative sentences.
Incorrect: I shall buy any apples. 
Correct: I shall buy some apples.
Incorrect: I shall not buy some apples.
Correct: I shall not buy any apples.
Incorrect: Have you bought some apples?
Correct: Have you bought any apples?
Incorrect: I shall read any book.
Correct: I shall read some book. 

Rules of Using Reciprocal Pronouns
Reciprocal pronouns are used to indicate a mutual action or relationship between two or more people or things. They show that the action or relationship is being done or experienced by each other. Here are the rules for using reciprocal pronouns in English:

1. "Each other" is used when the action or relationship involves two individuals or entities. It indicates a reciprocal action between the two. For example:

  • "They love each other."
  • "The sisters helped each other with their homework."

2. "One another" is used when the action or relationship involves more than two individuals or entities. It indicates a reciprocal action among the entire group. For example:

  • "The members of the team supported one another."
  • "The students taught one another during group discussions."

3. Reciprocal pronouns can be used as the object of a verb or a preposition. For example:

  • "They hugged each other."
  • "The friends talked to one another."

4. Reciprocal pronouns should be used when the action or relationship is mutual, involving both parties. If the action is not reciprocal, it's more appropriate to use personal pronouns or other pronouns. For example:

  • "She helped him." (Not reciprocal)
  • "They understood each other." (Reciprocal)

5. Reciprocal pronouns are typically used in sentences with plural subjects or objects, as they imply mutual actions or relationships. However, they can also be used with a singular subject or object when the context implies a reciprocal meaning. For example:

  • "The couple loved each other deeply." (singular subject)
  • "The team members supported one another during the match." (plural subject)

It's important to use reciprocal pronouns correctly to convey the intended meaning of mutual action or relationship between individuals or entities. Be mindful of the number (singular or plural) and the appropriate reciprocal pronoun to match the subject or object in the sentence.

Rule—18: ‘Each other’ is used for two persons. ‘One another’ is used for more than two persons. 
Incorrect: The two brothers disliked one another. 
Correct: The two brothers disliked each other. 
Incorrect: Romeo and Juliet loved one another.
Correct: Romeo and Juliet loved each other.
Incorrect: The two children quarreled with one another.
Correct: The two children quarreled with each other.

Incorrect: Good boys do not quarrel with each other.
Correct: Good boys do not quarrel with one another.

Incorrect: All the students of the class are friendly, they like each other.
Correct: All the students of the class are friendly, they like one another.


Rules of Using Distributive Pronouns

Distributive pronouns are used to refer to members of a group individually or separately. They indicate that something is distributed or done one by one, or in a scattered or separate manner. Here are the rules for using distributive pronouns in English:

1. "Each" is used to refer to the members of a group individually. It emphasizes individuality and separate consideration. For example:

  • "Each student must complete the assignment."
  • "I gave each child a book."

2. "Every" is used to refer to all the members of a group individually. It emphasizes inclusiveness and emphasizes that the action applies to each member. For example:

  • "Every student needs to be present for the meeting."
  • "I visit my parents every Sunday."

3. "Either" is used to refer to one of two things or options. It implies a choice between two possibilities. For example:

  • "You can take either route to reach the destination."
  • "You can have either tea or coffee."

4. "Neither" is used to refer to not one of two things or options. It indicates the exclusion of both possibilities. For example:

  • "Neither option is suitable for me."
  • "Neither candidate received enough votes."

5. "Any" is used to refer to one, some, or all members of a group individually. It does not specify a particular individual but emphasizes inclusiveness. For example:

  • "You can choose any book from the shelf."
  • "Any student can join the club."

6. "Some" is used to refer to an unspecified number or portion of members from a group individually. It implies a non-specific quantity or selection. For example:

  • "Some people prefer tea over coffee."
  • "Please give me some apples from the basket."

7. Distributive pronouns can be used as pronouns on their own, or they can be used as determiners followed by a noun. For example:

  • "Each is responsible for their own actions." (pronoun)
  • "Each student must bring their own supplies." (determiner)

It's important to use distributive pronouns appropriately to convey the intended meaning of individuality, separateness, or distribution among members of a group. Consider the number (singular or plural) and the context to choose the correct distributive pronoun.

Rule—7: "Either" and "neither" are always used in relation to two things or two persons. For more than two, "any" or "none" must be used.
Incorrect: Either of the three girls can pay for it.
Correct: Either of the two girls can pay for it.
Incorrect: Neither of the five brothers have been selected.
Correct: Neither of the two brothers has been selected.
Incorrect: Any one of the employees can claim it.
Correct: Any one of the employees can claim it.

Incorrect: None of the students of this class has passed.
Correct: None of the students of this class has passed.

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