A subject pronoun\u2014also referred to as a subjective pronoun\u2014replaces a noun that is in the subject position of a dependent or independent clause. This means that it performs rather than receives the action of the clause.<\/p>\n
Subject pronouns serve language by helping us avoid redundancy and be more frugal with language. Consider the following text:<\/p>\n
Steadman plays cards. Steadman also plays competitively. Steadman will be entering the next $100,000 poker tournament.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Now let’s replace Steadman<\/em> with the personal pronoun he<\/em> in the second and third sentences:<\/p>\n
Steadman plays cards. He<\/u> also plays competitively. He<\/u> will be entering the next $100,000 poker tournament.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Although the two versions share the same structure, which do you find easier to read? The first version’s use of Steadman<\/em> becomes repetitive while also using more character space. The second version exchanges the personal pronoun he<\/em> for Steadman<\/em> to prevent such redundancy and establish better, more-readable content.<\/p>\n
Note that a subject pronoun should have a clear antecedent, which is the word, phrase, or clause that replaces the main noun being referred to. In our example above, Steadman <\/em>is the antecedent of he.<\/em><\/p>\n
A subject pronoun can also be plural:<\/p>\n
The Robinsons<\/u> will visit for dinner tonight. They<\/u> will bring the dessert.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Subject Pronouns: Types<\/h2>\n
Subject pronouns can be different kinds of pronouns. Their antecedents also can be either personal or impersonal.<\/p>\n
Examples <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n
Arnie<\/u> works at the candy factory. He<\/u> (personal pronoun; antecedent Arnie<\/em>) is a packaging-machine operator.<\/p>\n
Your former high-school classmates<\/u> are in town. All<\/u> (indefinite pronoun; antecedent classmates<\/em>) are welcome to join us at the lake.<\/p>\n
The car<\/u> needs a new battery. It<\/u> (impersonal pronoun; antecedent car<\/em>) probably won’t run much longer without one.<\/p>\n
Here are the report files<\/u>. These<\/u> (demonstrative pronoun; antecedent files<\/em>) have kept me busy all week.<\/p>\n
Kristin has been promoted to store manager<\/u>, which<\/u> (relative pronoun; antecedent the full clause Kristin has been promoted to store manager<\/em>) should make daily operations more efficient.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Subject Pronouns: Different from Object Pronouns<\/h2>\n
As reinforcement, we’ll quickly review the difference between subject pronouns and object pronouns.<\/p>\n
We pointed out above that subject pronouns perform an action (object pronouns receive an action). Consider the following sentences:<\/p>\n
There’s Luke<\/u>. He<\/u> has a light saber.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
In the second sentence, the subject pronoun he <\/em>stands in for its antecedent, Luke<\/em>, and performs the action of having a light saber.<\/p>\n
Now consider this:<\/p>\n
There’s Luke<\/u>. Who gave him<\/u> a light saber?<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
In this pair of sentences, the pronoun him<\/em> likewise stands in for its antecedent, Luke.<\/em> However, in this case, the pronoun is receiving the action. The pronoun who<\/em> is performing the action (and we don’t know from the context what the antecedent is).<\/p>\n
Now you that you further understand what subject pronouns are, when to use them, and how they differ from object pronouns<\/a>, you can use them with even greater effect in your mission for precision and eloquence.<\/p>\n
Related Topics<\/h3>\n
Pronouns<\/a>
\nPronoun Tips<\/a><\/p>\nPop Quiz<\/h2>\n
Applying what you’ve learned from this discussion, identify the subject pronouns in the following sentences (not all will include an antecedent; also remember that subject pronouns can appear in both dependent and independent clauses).<\/p>\n
1. She is driving him to the train station.<\/p>\n
2. I have the case of motor oil that they are looking for. I will bring it to them tomorrow.<\/p>\n
3. Stacy would to like to learn the violin. She is ready to start practicing.<\/p>\n
4. It might bite you if you keep petting it that way.<\/p>\n
5. The students will begin the exam at 1:00 p.m. Each should have at least two sharpened pencils.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Pop Quiz Answers<\/h3>\n
1. She<\/strong> is driving him to the train station.<\/p>\n
2. I<\/strong> have the case of motor oil that they<\/strong> are looking for. I<\/strong> will bring it to them tomorrow.<\/p>\n
3. Stacy would to like to learn the violin. She<\/strong> is ready to start practicing.<\/p>\n
4. It<\/strong> might bite you if you<\/strong> keep petting it that way.<\/p>\n
5. The students will begin the exam at 1:00 p.m. Each<\/strong> of them should have at least two sharpened pencils.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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