2. Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e
Personal Pronouns
Objectives
Use personal pronouns correctly as subjects and objects.
Distinguish between personal possessive pronouns (such as its) and contractions (such as it’s)
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

3. Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e
Personal Pronouns
Choose the correct pronoun in compound constructions, comparatives, and appositives.
Use reflexive pronouns correctly.
Use nominative case pronouns with subject complements.
Select the correct pronouns for use with the infinitive to be.
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

4. Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e
Personal Pronouns
Nominative Case
Singular Plural
First Person I we (person speaking)
Second Person you you (person spoken to)
Third Person he, they (person/thing spoken of) she, it
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

5. Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e
Personal Pronouns
Objective Case
Singular Plural
First Person me us (person speaking)
Second Person you you (person spoken to)
Third Person him, them (person/thing spoken of) her, it
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

6. Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e
Personal Pronouns
Possessive Case
Singular Plural
First Person my, mine our, ours (person speaking)
Second Person your, yours your, yours (person spoken to)
Third Person his, hers, their, theirs (person/thing spoken of) its
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

7. Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e
Personal Pronouns
Nominative Case Usage
Nominative case pronouns are used as subjects of verbs.
He is the supervisor we hired last month S. V S. V.
We asked whether they were coming S V S V.
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

8. Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e
Personal Pronouns
Objective Case Usage
Objective case pronouns are used as objects of verbs.
The manager called us S V. O.
We told them about the plans S. V. O.
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

9. Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e
Personal Pronouns
Objective Case Usage
Objective case pronouns (P.) are used as objects of prepositions (O.P.).
That desk is for her S. V. P. O.P.
Requests are sent to him S V P. O.P.
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

10. Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e
Personal Pronouns
Objective Case Usage
When the words between, but, like, and except are used as prepositions, be sure to use objective case pronouns as their objects.
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

11. Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e
Personal Pronouns
No one but (I or me?) has the combination.
^Prep.
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

12. Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e
Personal Pronouns
No one but (I or me?) has the combination.
^Prep. ^Obj. of Prep.
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

13. Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e
Personal Pronouns
No one but me has the combination.
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

14. Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e
Personal Pronouns
Workers like Brad and (she or her?) are excellent.
^Prep.
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

15. Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e
Personal Pronouns
Workers like Brad and (she or her?) are excellent.
^Prep. ^Obj. of Prep ^Obj. of Prep.
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

16. Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e
Personal Pronouns
Workers like Brad and her are excellent.
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

17. Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e
Personal Pronouns
Possessive Case Usage
Possessive pronouns show ownership or special relationship. They DO NOT require apostrophes.
Our car is here; where is theirs?
Its hood makes the machine less noisy.
Ours is the house with the white trim.
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

18. Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e
Personal Pronouns
Contractions are shortened forms of subjects and verbs.
it’s (shortened form for it is)
there’s (shortened form for there is)
they’re (shortened form for they are)
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

19. Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e
Personal Pronouns
Don’t confuse contractions with possessive pronouns.
There’s another entrance in the rear.
(There is)
It’s wise to insure its contents.
(It is)
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

20. Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e
Check your skill . . .
Select the correct form.
1. We will drive (he/him) to the airport.
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

21. Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e
Check your skill . . .
Select the correct form.
1. We will drive (he/him) to the airport.
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

22. Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e
Check your skill . . .
Select the correct form.
2. (Them/They) asked for the package.
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

23. Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e
Check your skill . . .
Select the correct form.
2. (Them/They) asked for the package.
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

24. Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e
Check your skill . . .
Select the correct form.
3. Papers were delivered to (he/him).
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

25. Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e
Check your skill . . .
Select the correct form.
3. Papers were delivered to (he/him).
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

26. Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e
Check your skill . . .
Select the correct form.
4. The computer needs (its/it’s) monitor cleaned.
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

27. Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e
Check your skill . . .
Select the correct form.
4. The computer needs (its/it’s) monitor cleaned.
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

28. Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e
Check your skill . . .
Select the correct form.
5. Please have (she/her) sign the form.
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

29. Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e
Check your skill . . .
Select the correct form.
5. Please have (she/her) sign the form.
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

30. Personal Pronoun Problems
Compounds
When pronouns appear in compounds, ignore the extra noun or pronoun and related words.
Mrs. Kuwata assigned Mike and me to the job \ ignore /
Only the manager and I will attend \ ignore /
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

31. Personal Pronoun Problems
Comparison
In statements of comparison, finish the implied comparison in order to determine pronoun case.
No one works faster than she.
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

32. Personal Pronoun Problems
Comparison
In statements of comparison, finish the implied comparison in order to determine pronoun case.
No one works faster than she works.
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

33. Personal Pronoun Problems
Comparison
In statements of comparison, finish the implied comparison in order to determine pronoun case.
Her plan interests me as much as him.
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

34. Personal Pronoun Problems
Comparison
In statements of comparison, finish the implied comparison in order to determine pronoun case.
Her plan interests me as much as it interests him.
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

35. Personal Pronoun Problems
Apposition
Appositives rename or explain previously mentioned nouns or pronouns. When pronouns are used in appositive constructions, temporarily ignore the appositive.
We clerks have our own union.
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

36. Personal Pronoun Problems
Apposition
Appositives rename or explain previously mentioned nouns or pronouns. When pronouns are used in appositive constructions, temporarily ignore the appositive.
We clerks have our own union \ignore/
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

37. Personal Pronoun Problems
Apposition
Appositives rename or explain previously mentioned nouns or pronouns. When pronouns are used in appositive constructions, temporarily ignore the appositive.
The lockers are for us girls.
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

38. Personal Pronoun Problems
Apposition
Appositives rename or explain previously mentioned nouns or pronouns. When pronouns are used in appositive constructions, temporarily ignore the appositive.
The lockers are for us girls \ignore/
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

39. Personal Pronoun Problems
Reflexive Pronouns
Pronouns ending in self emphasize nouns or pronouns previously mentioned.
I myself placed the order.
The matter should resolve itself.
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

40. Personal Pronoun Problems
Reflexive Pronouns
Do not use a pronoun ending in self unless it refers to a previously stated noun or pronoun in the sentence.
My friend and (I, myself) will apply.
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

41. Personal Pronoun Problems
Reflexive Pronouns
Do not use a pronoun ending in self unless it refers to a previously stated noun or pronoun in the sentence.
My friend and (I, myself) will apply.
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

42. Personal Pronoun Problems
Reflexive Pronouns
Do not use a pronoun ending in self unless it refers to a previously stated noun or pronoun in the sentence.
The mail is for Lisa and (myself, me).
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

43. Personal Pronoun Problems
Reflexive Pronouns
Do not use a pronoun ending in self unless it refers to a previously stated noun or pronoun in the sentence.
The mail is for Lisa and (myself, me).
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

44. Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e
Check your skill . . .
Select the correct pronoun.
1. A new insurance plan was offered to (we/us).
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

45. Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e
Check your skill . . .
Select the correct pronoun.
1. A new insurance plan was offered to (we/us).
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

46. Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e
Check your skill . . .
Select the correct pronoun.
2. No one arrives earlier than (I/me).
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

47. Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e
Check your skill . . .
Select the correct pronoun.
2. No one arrives earlier than (I/me) [arrive].
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

48. Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e
Check your skill . . .
Select the correct pronoun.
3. Her supervisor and (she/her) prepared a new work schedule.
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

49. Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e
Check your skill . . .
Select the correct pronoun.
3. Her supervisor and (she/her) prepared a new work schedule.
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

50. Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e
Check your skill . . .
Select the correct pronoun.
4. (We/Us) committee members arrived late for the demonstration.
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

51. Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e
Check your skill . . .
Select the correct pronoun.
4. (We/Us) committee members arrived late for the demonstration.
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

52. Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e
Check your skill . . .
Select the correct pronoun.
5. Only Terry (himself/hisself) would assign computer passwords.
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

53. Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e
Check your skill . . .
Select the correct pronoun.
5. Only Terry (himself/hisself) would assign computer passwords.
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

54. Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e
Check your skill . . .
Select the correct pronoun.
6. Shipment was made to two customers, Mr. Roper and (she/her).
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

55. Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e
Check your skill . . .
Select the correct pronoun.
6. Shipment was made to two customers, Mr. Roper and (she/her).
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

56. Advanced Applications
Linking Verbs
Linking verbs are be, is, am, are, was, were, been, and being.
A pronoun that follows a linking verb and renames the subject must be in the nominative case.
It was he who volunteered.
The caller might have been she.
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

57. Advanced Applications
Infinitives
Infinitives are verbs immediately preceded by the word to.
to sit to laugh to climb
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

58. Advanced Applications
To be Without a Subject
Nominative pronouns are used following the infinitive to be when that infinitive has no subject.
The CEO was thought to be she ^no subject
Was Mr. Woods taken to be he? ^no subject
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

59. Advanced Applications
To be With a Subject
Objective case pronouns are used following the infinitive to be when that infinitive has a subject.
We thought Ann to be her \subj./
Do you expect the attorney to be him? \ subj. /
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

60. Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e
Check your skill . . .
Select the correct pronoun.
1. If you were (him/he), what would you do?
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

61. Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e
Check your skill . . .
Select the correct pronoun.
1. If you were (him/he), what would you do?
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

62. Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e
Check your skill . . .
Select the correct pronoun.
2. The reporter was believed to be (him/he).
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

63. Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e
Check your skill . . .
Select the correct pronoun.
2. The reporter was believed to be (him/he).
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

64. Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e
Check your skill . . .
Select the correct pronoun.
3. Kevin expected the delivery person to be (her/she).
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

65. Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e
Check your skill . . .
Select the correct pronoun.
3. Kevin expected the delivery person to be (her/she).
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

66. Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e
Check your skill . . .
Select the correct pronoun.
4. If the operators had been (they/them), the quota would be filled.
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

67. Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e
Check your skill . . .
Select the correct pronoun.
4. If the operators had been (they/them), the quota would be filled.
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

68. Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e
Chapter 6 - Quiz
Correct any errors in the following sentence. (The sentence may already be correct.)
1. Everyone in the class turned in the report except he.
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

69. Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e
Chapter 6 - Quiz
Correct any errors in the following sentence. (The sentence may already be correct.)
1. Everyone in the class turned in the report except him.
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

70. Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e
Chapter 6 - Quiz
Correct any errors in the following sentence. (The sentence may already be correct.)
2. It’s necessary to return the watch and its band.
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

71. Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e
Chapter 6 - Quiz
Correct any errors in the following sentence. (The sentence may already be correct.)
2. It’s necessary to return the watch and its band.
Correct
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

72. Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e
Chapter 6 - Quiz
Correct any errors in the following sentence. (The sentence may already be correct.)
3. Give all checks to Michelle and him to sign.
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

73. Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e
Chapter 6 - Quiz
Correct any errors in the following sentence. (The sentence may already be correct.)
3. Give all checks to Michelle and him to sign.
Correct
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

74. Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e
Chapter 6 - Quiz
Correct any errors in the following sentence. (The sentence may already be correct.)
4. A number of we employees have agreed to attend the seminar when it’s next offered.
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

75. Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e
Chapter 6 - Quiz
Correct any errors in the following sentence. (The sentence may already be correct.)
4. A number of us employees have agreed to attend the seminar when it’s next offered.
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

76. Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e
Chapter 6 - Quiz
Correct any errors in the following sentence. (The sentence may already be correct.)
5. No one knows this neighborhood better than me.
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

77. Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e
Chapter 6 - Quiz
Correct any errors in the following sentence. (The sentence may already be correct.)
5. No one knows this neighborhood better than I.
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

78. Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e
Chapter 6 - Quiz
Correct any errors in the following sentence. (The sentence may already be correct.)
6. I wonder if it was them who left the package at the door today.
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

79. Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e
Chapter 6 - Quiz
Correct any errors in the following sentence. (The sentence may already be correct.)
6. I wonder if it was they who left the package at the door today.
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

80. Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e
Chapter 6 - Quiz
Correct any errors in the following sentence. (The sentence may already be correct.)
7. At first glance her sister could have been taken to be her.
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

81. Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e
Chapter 6 - Quiz
Correct any errors in the following sentence. (The sentence may already be correct.)
7. At first glance her sister could have been taken to be she.
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

82. Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e
Chapter 6 - Quiz
Correct any errors in the following sentence. (The sentence may already be correct.)
8. The reports to be presented by her and I had to be postponed.
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

83. Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e
Chapter 6 - Quiz
Correct any errors in the following sentence. (The sentence may already be correct.)
8. The reports to be presented by her and me had to be postponed.
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

84. Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e
Chapter 6 - Quiz
Correct any errors in the following sentence. (The sentence may already be correct.)
9. Didn’t the judge ask we witnesses to avoid discussing the case outside the courtroom?
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

85. Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e
Chapter 6 - Quiz
Correct any errors in the following sentence. (The sentence may already be correct.)
9. Didn’t the judge ask us witnesses to avoid discussing the case outside the courtroom?
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

86. Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e
Chapter 6 - Quiz
Correct any errors in the following sentence. (The sentence may already be correct.)
10. If you bring your recommendation to David or myself, I’m sure we can approve it.
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

87. Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e
Chapter 6 - Quiz
Correct any errors in the following sentence. (The sentence may already be correct.)
10. If you bring your recommendation to David or me, I’m sure we can approve it.
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e

88. Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e
END
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e