Pronouns:
Pronouns are words that substitute a noun. They can be tricky for language learners, but they are an essential part of both written and spoken English. There are various types of pronoun that you must get the grasp of:
SUBJECT = what does the action (cause). I am going shopping later
OBJECT = what receives the action. You never ask me questions
REFLEXIVE = when the subject and object are the same. I talk to myself a lot
POSSESSIVE = instead of a noun. This car is mine
POSSESSIVE DETERMINERS = PD + noun. That one on the corner is my house
| SUBJECT | OBJECT | REFLEXIVE | POSSESSIVE | DETERMINER |
| I | ME | MYSELF | MINE | MY |
| YOU | YOU | YOURSELF | YOURS | YOUR |
| HE | HIM | HIMSELF | HIS | HIS |
| SHE | HER | HERSELF | HERS | HER |
| IT | IT | ITSELF | ITS | ITS |
| THEY | THEM | THEMSELVES | THEIRS | THEIR |
| WE | US | OURSELVES | OURS | OUR |
Careful: know the difference between subject and object pronouns
It is essential to know who is the subject and object of a sentence to understand it well.
With the verbs belong to, matter to and appeal to we use the object pronoun to express who is affected by the state
For instance:
This pen belongs to me = it is my pen
It doesn´t matter to me = I don´t mind
Video games don´t appeal to me = I don´t like video games
Practice questions:
- Do you want to talk to me?
- How often do you ask your teacher for help with your studies?
- How many siblings do you have and do you get on well with them?
- Does the computer/phone you are using belong to you?
- What languages appeal to you most?
