LoginObject Pronouns
This comprehensive lesson covers Object Pronouns in English with detailed examples and a quiz to test your knowledge.
English Object Pronouns
There are seven main object pronouns:
Take a look at these examples:
I saw Jane today. → I saw her today.
In this example, Jane is a third-person singular and can be replaced by pronoun 'her.'
He gave his food to his friend. → He gave it to him.
In this example, 'his food' (an object) and 'his friend' (a male person) are substituted with pronouns 'it' and 'him.'
Object pronouns are used instead of nouns, usually when the object is already known. It makes the sentence easier to read and understand and avoids repetition. Object pronouns are used:
As the object of a verb
After a preposition, such as "than," "as," "but," and "except" (including after phrasal verbs)
After the verb 'be' as a linking verb (In very formal English, the subject pronoun is sometimes used here, but this is very old-fashioned and unusual.)
In short answers
Object Pronoun 'You'
Second Person Singular and Plural
In English, the second-person object pronoun 'you' has the same form for both singular and plural, and it does not change whether the speaker is addressing one person or multiple people. This means that 'you' is used as the object pronoun in all situations where the speaker is addressing someone directly.
Hey! I'm talking to you!
Generic or Impersonal 'You'
In addition to its use as a second-person object pronoun, 'you' can also function as an 'impersonal pronoun' in English. In this case, it does not necessarily address a specific person, but rather refers to a general law or situation.
People often remind you that patience is a virtue.
In this example, 'you' does not refer to a specific person.
Common experience teaches you lessons that shape your future.
Third-Person Singular Pronouns
Third-person singular has three forms in object pronouns: 'him,' 'her,' and 'it.' This is one of the only cases in the English language in which gender plays a role in grammar.
In English, the grammatical gender of a noun is usually neutral; however, there are some important exceptions:
Third-person Pronoun 'Her'
'Her' is generally used to refer to a girl or a woman. It is also used to refer to a car or a ship. For animals, we can use 'her' if the gender is known, especially when we want to emphasize the gender of the animal. Take a look at these examples:
This is my ship, I won't let them take her.
'Her' here refers to a ship.
My country is my pride and I love her.
Mia is my cat. You can pet her if you like.
Third-person Pronoun 'It'
'It' is the neuter form used to refer to inanimate objects, children, or animals of undetermined gender.
When the baby woke up, the nanny rocked it back to sleep.
I found a stray kitten in the park and gave it some milk.
Whenever I feel all hope is lost, I pray to Him for guidance.
Third-person Pronoun 'Him'
'Him' is used to refer to a boy or a man, but it can also be used to refer to God. 'Him' has the same rules for animals as 'her.' Take a look at the following examples:
I couldn't keep up with him.
My cat is really lovely. I can't imagine anything happening to him.
Third-person Plural Pronoun 'Them'
Impersonal 'Them'
When the identity or gender of a person is unknown, unimportant, or deliberately not specified, speakers often choose the generic singular "they" as a way to be inclusive.
If someone needs help, please ask them to fill out the form at the desk.
When a customer complains, remind them that our team is ready to help.
We can also use 'them' for authorities like police, government, etc. For example:
The government announced that the inflation rate has decreased, but I don't believe them.
Using 'Them' to Avoid Gender
In English: 'singular they' is a pronoun used to refer to someone whose gender is unknown or irrelevant. It can also be used as a gender-neutral alternative to 'him' or 'her', as well as with indefinite antecedent. Take a look at the following example:
Sara is a good student, I know them.
Review
Object pronouns are used as alternatives for nouns that function as objects. Check out the table of object pronouns.
First person | Second person | Third person | |
|---|---|---|---|
Singular | me | you | him/her/it |
Plural | us | you | them |
Quiz:
Which of the following sentences correctly uses an object pronoun?
Him loves to read books.
The teacher is explaining the lesson to us.
He called I in the morning.
Me talked to he yesterday.
Sort the words to form a correct sentence with object pronouns.
For each description choose the correct object pronoun.
Fill the blanks with appropriate object pronouns. (One options is used twice.)
I saw Andrew at the mall, so I waved to
as he passed by.
If a student struggles with lessons, the teacher offers
extra guidance.
At the vintage car show, I admired the old racer, gazing at
in awe.
The professor collected the students' papers and returned
the next day.
I asked him to send
the meeting agenda.
Which of the following is the best revision of the sentence using object pronouns? "He gave his food to his friend."
He gave his to he.
He gave his food to he.
He gave it him.
He gave it to him.
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