Pronouns

Definition A pronoun is a word that replaces a noun. Pronouns are useful because they allow us to talk about something or someone without constantly repeating the same noun.

Notice what happens when pronouns are not used: Jillian’s father asked Jillian to meet Jillian’s father at Jillian’s father’s office after school, so that Jillian and Jillian’s father could do Jillian and Jillian’s father’s Christmas shopping.

Now, rewrite the above sentence, substituting the unnecessary nouns with pronouns: Jillian’s father asked her to meet him at his office after school, so that they could do their Christmas shopping.

A pronoun can replace a noun or another pronoun A pronoun can replace a noun or another pronoun. You use pronouns like "he," "which," "none," and "you" to make your sentences less cumbersome and less repetitive. Proper Noun Pronoun Tim Jake Jonathan he him his

Personal Pronouns Subject Form Possessive Form Object Form

Pronouns can be confusing… If you do not know to whom the pronoun is referring The noun to which the pronoun refers is called the “antecedent” Example: The dog owner took a stroll through the park with his Labrador Retriever. antecedent pronoun

Another example: Tom took his iPod to the store to get it repaired. What noun is the antecedent for the word “his”? Tom What noun is the antecedent for the word “it”? iPod

Pronouns with Abbott and Costello First Base: Who Second Base: What Third base: I Don't Know Left field: Why Center field: Because Pitcher: Tomorrow Catcher: Today Shortstop: I Don't Care/I Don't Give a Darn

What I don't care! Who I Don't Know