Direct object pronouns replace the noun that directly receives the action of a verb. They help avoid repetition by standing in for the object.
- me — replaces “me”
- you — replaces “you” (singular or plural)
- him — replaces a singular masculine noun
- her — replaces a singular feminine noun
- it — replaces a singular noun (thing or animal)
- us — replaces “us”
- them — replaces plural nouns (people or things)
Example:
- Without pronoun: I see the book.
- With pronoun: I see it.
The pronoun it replaces “the book.”
Usage Rules
Direct object pronouns are always placed immediately after the verb in English.
- She eats the cake. → She eats it.
- We called our friends. → We called them.
If there is an auxiliary verb (helping verb), the pronoun comes after the auxiliary and before the main verb:
- I will finish the report. → I will finish it.
- They can answer the questions. → They can answer them.
In negative sentences or questions, pronouns still follow the auxiliary or modal verb:
- I don’t see the movie. → I don’t see it.
- Did you call Sarah? → Did you call her?
Complete Examples
| Subject | Verb | Object (No Pronoun) | Object (Pronoun) | English Sentence (No Pronoun) | English Sentence (Pronoun) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| I | see | the dog | it | I see the dog. | I see it. |
| She | loves | her mom | her | She loves her mom. | She loves her. |
| We | know | them | them | We know the students. | We know them. |
| You | called | John | him | You called John. | You called him. |
| They | ate | the apples | them | They ate the apples. | They ate them. |
| I | want | it | it | I want the toy. | I want it. |
| We | help | you | you | We help you. | We help you. |
Look Ahead
- Indirect Object Pronouns — pronouns for indirect objects (“to/for someone”)
- Reflexive Pronouns — pronouns for actions done to oneself
- Object Pronouns with Prepositions — using pronouns after prepositions (“with me,” “for them”)
Flashcards (1 of 7)
- Subject: I
- Verb: see
- Object (No Pronoun): the dog
- Object (Pronoun): it
- English Sentence (No Pronoun): I see the dog.
- English Sentence (Pronoun): I see it.
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
