Usage - Pronoun Case

The pronoun's function in a sentence determines which case to use.

RULE: Use a subjective case pronoun

1) Personal pronoun subject

 2) Personal pronoun subjective complement ("completes" the
subject)

RULE: Use an objective case pronoun

1) Personal pronoun direct object

2) Personal pronoun indirect object

 3) Personal pronoun object of preposition

Additional pronoun case rules

1. When a pronoun is used along with a noun, choose the pronoun case that
matches the noun's function.

2. When a pronoun is part of a compound element, choose the pronoun case

that would be correct if the pronoun were not part of a compound element.
 NOTE: To make certain that pronoun case is correct in compound
elements, omit one
half of the compound to check each pronoun.

3. When a personal pronoun is used in a comparison, choose the correct

pronoun case by carrying the sentence out to its logical conclusion.
 4. Choose who or whom depending upon the function of the pronoun in the
sentence.

Who is subjective case like the pronouns he, she, they, I, and we.

Use who as the subject or subjective complement of a sentence.

 Helpful tip: To see whether who is the correct choice, substitute he for
who.
If the sentence sounds correct, then who is the correct
choice.

Whom is objective case like the pronouns him, her, them, me, and us.

Use whom as the direct object, indirect object, or object of a preposition

in a sentence.
 Helpful tip: To see whether whom is the correct choice, substitute him
for whom.

If the sentence sounds correct, then whom is the correct

choice.
 NOTE: In an adjectival subordinate clause, choose who or whom by
determining the
pronoun's function within the subordinate clause.
5. Use possessive case pronouns with gerunds.

Reminder: A gerund is a verb form ending in -ing, used as a noun.