Do you get confused when it comes to remembering pronoun types and examples? Don’t worry – we have everything here that you need to help you understand the different forms of pronouns.
Whether you are a beginner or already familiar with pronouns, this is the perfect resource for brushing up on your grammar knowledge. Keep reading to learn more about each pronoun type and find its various contextual examples!
What is a Pronoun?
A pronoun is a word that is used in place of a noun or noun phrase. An antecedent is a noun that a pronoun takes the place of. Pronouns are fundamental to communicating effectively, but you may not even realize that you’re using them! Every time you say “she,” “it,” or “they," for example, you’re using a pronoun. Is who a pronoun? Yes—and so is whoever, whomever, and its other forms.
Pronouns are a useful tool for a writer. They can help a piece of writing sound more polished and reduce the use of repetition in a sentence. For example, a pronoun like ‘they’ can be used to refer back to a subject earlier introduced without having to use the same word repeatedly. Pronouns are a versatile and powerful language device that helps enhance writing overall.
Do you need further help understanding Grammar concepts like pronouns? Perhaps you want to improve your writing skills? Consider getting a tutor! UpskillsTutor makes the process of finding a tutor easier than ever! Try it out today!
Read more: Are Season Names Capitalized?
Types of Pronouns
In English grammar, there are many types of pronouns to know and understand - but it doesn't have to be so intimidating. In this section, we'll explore each type of pronoun and give you some great examples along the way.
Possessive Pronouns
A pronoun that expresses ownership or possession is known as a possessive pronoun. They can also be used in different ways, just like possessive adjectives. They can be used, for instance, to convey origin or a specific connection. The possessive pronouns are:
- Singular: mine, yours, his, hers, its, theirs
- Plural: ours yours, theirs
Personal Pronouns
A personal pronoun is one that is used to refer to the speaker, individuals, or objects to which the speaker is making a reference. When replacing proper names, personal pronouns are frequently used.
Personal pronouns, like all other pronouns, can only be used to refer to nouns; they cannot be used to refer to verbs or adjectives. These are:
- Singular: I/me, you, she/her, he/him
- Plural: we/us, you, they/them
Note: The pronouns they/them are typically used in the plural, but you can also use them in the singular. They and them are singular pronouns that are frequently used to refer to people without mentioning their gender.
Relative Pronouns
A pronoun that precedes a relative clause is known as a relative pronoun. Relative pronouns, in particular, frequently begin relative phrases that describe nouns or other pronouns.
Relative pronouns most frequently used: Whose, Which, That, Who, Whom.
Reflexive Pronouns
A pronoun that refers to the same person or thing as the subject when it is employed as an object is referred to as a reflexive pronoun.
When the subject and the object of a verb or preposition are the same, we employ reflexive pronouns. Some examples include:
Singular: myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself
Plural: ourselves, yourselves, themselves
Indefinite Pronouns
A pronoun that doesn't make it clear to whom or what it is referring to is said to be indefinite. Although it is known aware the pronoun someone refers to a person, we are unaware of any further details about them. Indefinite pronouns refer to a person or thing in an ambiguous or generic manner.
There are several uses for indefinite pronouns. A few of these are:
- Making reference to an unknown individual.
- Making reference to general sum.
- Making reference to an absence or a totality.
Demonstrative Pronouns
A demonstrative pronoun is one that is used to point to particular individuals or objects. You can use demonstrative pronouns to talk about people, animals, or things. They can also be employed in sentences as subjects or objects.
Demonstrative pronouns include: This, That, There, These.
Interrogative Pronouns
A pronoun used to ask a question is called an interrogative pronoun. “Who are you”, for instance, uses the pronoun who as an interrogative. Interrogative pronouns take the place of nouns in sentences like most other pronouns do. Interrogative pronouns usually take the place of whatever or whoever the response to the query is.
Interrogative pronouns are: Who, Whom, Whose, What, Which.
Intensive Pronouns
An intensive pronoun is one that emphasizes the topic of a sentence by referring back to it. We use intensive pronouns for a variety of purposes. For example, to draw attention to an odd or unexpected circumstance or to amplify a noteworthy accomplishment.
Singular: myself, yourself, herself, himself, itself
Plural: ourselves, yourselves, themselves.
Reciprocal Pronouns
A pronoun that conveys a reciprocal relationship is called a reciprocal pronoun. In other words, reciprocal pronouns describe circumstances in which something/ someone does something to another and gets something back in return.
These pronouns with reciprocity are: each other, one another.
Pronoun Examples
Pronouns may sound harder in theory than they actually are. In this section, we will go through simple examples for each type of pronoun.
Possessive pronoun:
That is his cat and this one is my cat.
Personal pronoun:
He is going to the park alone.
Relative pronoun:
She was the only person who knew what was going on.
Reflexive pronoun:
She looked at herself in the mirror.
Indefinite pronoun:
Someone invited us to this party.
Reciprocal pronoun:
We always help each other.
Demonstrative pronoun:
This is my cousin, Dave.
Interrogative pronoun:
What kind of tree is this?
Intensive pronoun:
He himself found this house.
There are many different types of pronouns that can be used in a variety of situations. If you are ever unsure, consult a grammar reference guide or ask your tutor for help. With a little practice, you will be using pronouns like a pro in no time!
