English Language Arts
Grade 8
15 min
Choose between subject and object pronouns
Choose between subject and object pronouns
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Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify subject pronouns and their function in a sentence.
Identify object pronouns and their function in a sentence.
Differentiate between subject and object pronouns based on their grammatical role.
Correctly choose between subject and object pronouns in simple sentences.
Apply rules for selecting the appropriate pronoun in compound subjects and objects.
Correctly use object pronouns after prepositions.
Revise sentences to correct common pronoun case errors.
Ever wonder why sometimes you say 'She and I went' but other times 'He gave it to her and me'? 🤔 Let's unlock the secret to sounding super clear and correct!
In this lesson, you'll learn the essential rules for choosing between subject and object pronouns. Masterin...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
PronounA word that takes the place of a noun or another pronoun to avoid repetition.Instead of 'Maria went to the store, and Maria bought apples,' we say 'Maria went to the store, and she bought apples.'
Subject PronounA pronoun that performs the action of the verb in a sentence. It acts as the subject.She ran quickly. (She is the subject performing the action of running.)
Object PronounA pronoun that receives the action of the verb or is the object of a preposition.The dog followed him. (Him receives the action of being followed.) / She gave the book to them. (Them is the object of the preposition 'to'.)
Nominative CaseThe grammatical case used for subjects of verbs and predicate nominatives. Subject pronouns are in the nominative case....
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Key Rules & Conventions
The Subject Rule
Use a subject pronoun (I, you, he, she, it, we, they) when the pronoun is performing the action of the verb.
If the pronoun is the one doing the verb, it must be a subject pronoun. Think of it as the 'doer' of the action.
The Object Rule
Use an object pronoun (me, you, him, her, it, us, them) when the pronoun is receiving the action of the verb (direct or indirect object) or is the object of a preposition.
If the pronoun is having the action done to it, or if it comes after a preposition (like 'to,' 'for,' 'with,' 'between'), it must be an object pronoun.
The 'Remove & Test' Trick for Compound Structures
When a pronoun is part of a compound subject or object (e.g., 'John and I' o...
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Challenging
A student argues: 'In the sentence *The teacher gave the book to John and I*, the pronoun *I* is correct because I am one of the people receiving the book.' Which concept does this student misunderstand?
A.The function of a subject pronoun.
B.The role of an antecedent.
C.The rule for pronouns as objects of a preposition.
D.The 'Remove & Test' trick for compound subjects.
Challenging
Consider the sentence: 'She likes chocolate more than ___.' Choosing 'he' or 'him' changes the meaning. What does the sentence mean if you choose 'him'?
A.She likes chocolate more than she likes him.
B.She likes chocolate more than he likes chocolate.
C.She likes chocolate and she also likes him.
D.He likes chocolate more than she does.
Challenging
Revise the following sentence to correct all pronoun errors: 'Her and him are the team captains, so the responsibility falls on they.'
A.Her and him are the team captains, so the responsibility falls on them.
B.She and he are the team captains, so the responsibility falls on them.
C.She and he are the team captains, so the responsibility falls on they.
D.Her and he are the team captains, so the responsibility falls on them.
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