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May 9, 2020
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Definition of Pronoun:
A word that replaces, relates a noun or equivalent is called Pronoun. It may also
interrogate, distribute, demonstrate or reciprocate whole sense of a sentence, acting
either as a subject or as an object.
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Classification of Pronouns with Examples:
There are 10 types of Pronoun, and those are:
1. Personal Pronoun.
2. Impersonal Pronoun.
3. Demonstrative Pronoun.
4. Distributive Pronoun.
5. Indefinite Pronoun.
6. Reciprocal Pronoun.
7. Reflexive and Emphatic Pronoun.
8. Relative Pronoun.
9. Interrogative Pronoun.
10. Possessive Pronoun.
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Types of Pronoun
Personal Pronoun:
It indicates any person acting as a subject or an object [Here you can learn what is subject
and object of a sentence by Lexico.com] on the other word Personal Pronouns words
used in place of nouns referring to persons.
For example,
Impersonal Pronoun:
It indicates mainly non-living things.
For example,
It.
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Demonstrative Pronoun:
These words are used for nouns to point out the object.
This is my book.
That is Joe’s house.
Distributive Pronoun:
It distributes the sense of the subject or object.
Indefinite Pronoun:
It signifies the sense of the subject or object indefinitely without any specification, used for
nouns in vague and general meaning.
For example everybody, one, any, some, none, all, nobody, somebody, etc.
Reciprocal Pronoun:
It reciprocates between two or more subjects and points out the mutual relationship.
Relative Pronoun:
It relates the subject or objects with another clause or part of a sentence, it is used for nouns
to express functions relating to ‘who, which, whose, that, whenever, whatever, whichever,
whom,’ etc.
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For example,
Interrogative Pronoun:
It makes sense of interrogation or a question to get an answer to that question, it is acting as
subject or an object, used for nouns to ask the questions.
Possessive Pronoun:
It signifies a possession over any other person or thing.
If there are two or more than two pronouns, having two or more than two persons (First
person, second person and third person) within the sentence then their placement should be
as follows:
In Singular Case:
For example, I, you and he/I, he and you will be responsible for the failure of the machine.
Having any sense of application either positive or negative the sequence is always 1-2-3.
For example, We, you, and they are going to a picnic today.
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If a sentence consists of a pronoun or a noun that takes “to be” as the main verb then
we use nominative case of a pronoun. For example, it was I who called you last night.
In case of comparative degree, after the word ‘than’ we use the nominative case of a
pronoun. For example, she performed better than I was.
We use objective case of pronoun after the word ‘let’. For example, let him and I do
the work together.
If we use ‘each’ or ‘every’ in a sentence, then the auxiliary verb [External Link] should
be in a singular form. For example, every man, woman, and child is now aware of
this.
When an action is reflected that towards the subject itself, then reflexive
pronouns are used. Some verbs which allow reflexive pronouns are- avail, adapt,
enjoy, resign, etc. For example, We should adapt our self to every circumstance in our
lives.
If a sentence expresses positivity or good sense and all the personal pronouns are
used in the same sentence ina singular form, then the order of those personal
pronouns will be the second person, third person and first person (231).
For example, You, he and I have attended the meeting today.
If a sentence expresses negativity or flaw, all the three personal pronouns are used in
the same sentence in a singular form, then the order of those personal pronouns will
be the first, second and third person (123). For example, I, you and he did not help the
poor man.
Shortcuts:
Positive + Singular: 231.
Negative + singular: 123.
Positive + Plural: 123.
Negative + Plural: 123.
‘Either-or’ and ‘neither-nor’ are used only to refer two things or person.
‘Everyone, everybody’ is used with the singular form of the third-person possessive
pronoun.
For example, Everyone received his prize on the second of the month.
‘Each’, ‘Every’ is followed by any noun then the auxiliary verb will be used in a singular
form.
For example, Every man, woman, and child is now aware of this.
After the word ‘let’ objective case of a pronoun is used.
For example, let him and me do the work together.
‘When’ is used for objective case and ‘who’ is used for the subjective case.
Exercise on Pronoun:
Put correct pronouns in the blank.
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3. All the girls except _ were present there (her, she).
4. It was _ that did it (I, me).
5. He came here to see you and _ (me, I).
Either way, do let me know your answer by leaving a quick comment below.
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Reflexive and Emphatic Pronouns | Definition, Examples
Personal pronouns | LearnEnglish - British Council
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