Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What Are Subject Pronouns?
- List of Subject Pronouns
- Using Subject Pronouns Correctly
- Common Mistakes with Subject Pronouns
- Subject Pronouns Exercises
- Answers
- Conclusion
Introduction
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on subject pronouns in English! Subject pronouns are used to replace nouns that are the subject of a sentence. They help avoid repetition and make sentences shorter and clearer. Understanding subject pronouns is essential for constructing sentences correctly and fluently.
This guide is designed specifically for ESL students. We’ll explain what subject pronouns are, provide a list of them, and discuss how to use them correctly. We’ll also highlight common mistakes and provide exercises to help you practice. By the end of this guide, you’ll feel confident using subject pronouns in your everyday English conversations and writing.
What Are Subject Pronouns?
Subject pronouns replace the subject of a sentence, which is usually a noun or a noun phrase. They are used to indicate who or what performs the action in a sentence. Subject pronouns make sentences clearer by avoiding unnecessary repetition of names or nouns.
- She is reading a book.
- They went to the park.
- We are learning English.
List of Subject Pronouns
Here is a list of subject pronouns in English:
- I — first person singular
- You — second person singular and plural
- He — third person singular masculine
- She — third person singular feminine
- It — third person singular neuter (used for things and animals)
- We — first person plural
- They — third person plural
Using Subject Pronouns Correctly
Subject pronouns are used in place of the subject of a sentence — the person or thing doing the action. They must agree with the verb and refer to the correct person or thing.
Examples:
- I like to play tennis.
- She speaks Spanish fluently.
- They are going on holiday next week.
Note: Subject pronouns change based on the number (singular or plural) and gender (he/she/it) of the subject.
Common Mistakes with Subject Pronouns
1. Mixing Up Subject and Object Pronouns
❌ Me am going to the store.
✅ I am going to the store.
Tip: Use subject pronouns (I, you, he, she, we, they) when the pronoun is the subject of the sentence.
2. Using “It” for People
❌ It is my brother’s birthday today.
✅ He is my brother’s birthday today.
Tip: Use “he” or “she” for people, and “it” for animals or things.
3. Confusing “They” and “We” in Plural Sentences
❌ We are coming, but them are late.
✅ They are coming, but we are late.
Tip: “They” refers to other people, while “we” refers to you and someone else.
4. Overusing “You” When Referring to Groups
❌ You are all invited to the meeting.
✅ We are all invited to the meeting.
Tip: If you are included in the group, use “we” instead of “you.”
Subject Pronouns Exercises
Now it’s time to practice! Complete the following exercises to test your understanding of subject pronouns.
Exercise 1: Choose the Correct Subject Pronoun
Select the correct subject pronoun to complete each sentence.
- ______ am learning how to cook. (Me/I)
- ______ are going to the concert tonight. (We/They)
- ______ loves to travel. (He/Him)
- My cat is lazy, but ______ loves to play with toys. (it/they)
- My friends and ______ are planning a trip. (I/me)
Exercise 2: Replace the Underlined Words with a Subject Pronoun
Rewrite each sentence by replacing the underlined words with a subject pronoun.
- My parents are going to the cinema.
- I saw Lisa and Tom at the mall.
- The dog is running around the yard.
- My brother and I are going fishing tomorrow.
- The children are playing in the park.
Exercise 3: Correct the Mistakes
Identify and correct the mistakes in the following sentences.
- Me am very happy with the results.
- It is my sister’s birthday today.
- We are going to the party, and them will come later.
- She and me are best friends.
- Him likes to read mystery novels.
Exercise 4: Subject Pronoun or Object Pronoun?
Decide whether to use a subject pronoun or an object pronoun to complete each sentence.
- ______ is my best friend. (He/Him)
- My teacher gave ______ some advice. (I/me)
- ______ enjoy playing video games. (We/Us)
- Could you help ______? (I/me)
- ______ are going to the beach tomorrow. (They/Them)
Exercise 5: Write Sentences
Use the given subject pronouns to write sentences.
- I
- They
- He
- She
- We
Answers
Exercise 1
- I am learning how to cook.
- We are going to the concert tonight.
- He loves to travel.
- My cat is lazy, but it loves to play with toys.
- My friends and I are planning a trip.
Exercise 2
- They are going to the cinema.
- I saw them at the mall.
- It is running around the yard.
- We are going fishing tomorrow.
- They are playing in the park.
Exercise 3
- I am very happy with the results.
- She is my sister’s birthday today.
- We are going to the party, and they will come later.
- She and I are best friends.
- He likes to read mystery novels.
Exercise 4
- He is my best friend.
- My teacher gave me some advice.
- We enjoy playing video games.
- Could you help me?
- They are going to the beach tomorrow.
Exercise 5
Your sentences may vary. Here are some examples:
- I love reading books.
- They are going to the movies tonight.
- He plays football every weekend.
- She is studying for her exam.
- We enjoy hiking in the mountains.
Conclusion
Understanding and using subject pronouns correctly is essential for clear and effective communication in English. By familiarizing yourself with subject pronouns and practicing their usage, you’ll improve your sentence structure and fluency.
If you have any questions, thoughts, or would like to share your own sentences using subject pronouns, please leave a comment below. Happy learning!