Object Pronouns
Object Pronouns in English: This module covers the basics of object pronouns, including their forms and usage in sentences. Learn how to replace objects with 'me,' 'you,' 'him,' 'her,' 'us,' and 'them.'
Introduction
In English, object pronouns replace nouns that receive the action of a verb or follow a preposition. The basic object pronouns are me, you, him, her, it, us, and them. These forms do not change for gender except him and her, and they do not change for singular or plural except you, it, and them. Object pronouns are different from subject pronouns, which are used for the person doing the action.
Forms
The main object pronouns in English have stable forms. Use me for the first person singular, you for the second person singular or plural, him for third person singular masculine, her for third person singular feminine, it for third person singular neuter, us for first person plural, and them for third person plural. These forms are used regardless of whether the object is direct or indirect.
Word/Phrase | Definition |
|---|---|
me | |
you | |
him | |
her | |
it | |
us | |
them |
Direct Objects
An object pronoun functions as a direct object when it receives the action of the verb. In the sentence structure, the object pronoun typically comes after the verb. Use object pronouns to avoid repeating a noun when the receiver of the action is clear from context.
Rule |
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Indirect Objects
An object pronoun functions as an indirect object when it receives something from the action of the verb, often before the direct object. In English, the indirect object can come before the direct object without a preposition, or after the direct object with a preposition like to or for. In both cases, use the same object pronoun forms.
Rule |
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After Prepositions
Object pronouns are used after prepositions to show the object of the preposition. Common prepositions include to, for, with, from, about, and between. The pronoun form does not change based on the preposition; it remains me, you, him, her, it, us, or them.
Rule |
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Summary
Object pronouns in English are me, you, him, her, it, us, and them. They are used when a noun receives the action of a verb or follows a preposition. The same forms apply to direct objects, indirect objects, and objects of prepositions. Choosing the correct pronoun depends on person, number, and, for him and her, gender.