Here are some rules of pronoun which can be very useful in solving common error problems in competitive exams.
Rule: A pronoun is used in objective case after Let/ Between/ Preposition/ Any.
Ex:
- Let her complete the homework. (Correct)
Let she complete the homework. (Incorrect) - I am happy with you and him. (Correct)
I am happy with you and he. (Incorrect) - You have to choose between Geeta and me. (Correct)
You have to choose between Geeta and I. (Incorrect)
Rule: A pronoun should be used in same form while comparing with than.
Ex:
- He runs faster than I (Correct)
He runs faster than me (Incorrect)
(Here pronoun he is used in subjective form so pronoun I is also used in subjective form) - I know her better than him. (Correct)
I know her better than he. (Incorrect)
(Here pronoun her is used in objective form so pronoun him is also used in objective form)
Rule: Order of personal pronoun should be 231 (i.e. Second person, Third person, First person)
Ex:
- You, she and I are going to play Cricket. (Correct)
I, she and you are going to play Cricket. (Incorrect)
(Here you is second person, she is third person and I is first person) - You and I are going to watch movie. (Correct)
I and you are going to watch movie. (Incorrect)
(Here you is second person and I is first person)
Rule: A reflexive pronoun or an objective pronoun must be put after the verbs hurt, cheat, acquit, absent, avail, prostrate, introduce, present, enjoy, resign, revenge, apply, exert, adopt, adjust etc.
Ex:
- You should give yourself some rest. (Correct)
You should give you some rest. (Incorrect)
(Here, a reflexive pronoun yourself is used)
- I introduced her to my friends. (Correct)
I introduced she to my friends. (Incorrect)
(Here a pronoun her is used in objective case)
Rule: A reflexive pronoun can not be used in place of subject.
Ex:
- Deepthi and I decided to play chess. (Correct)
Deepthi and myself decided to play chess. (Incorrect)
Rule: Rules for using relative pronouns.
Who and whom are used for persons
Ex:
- This is the man who climbed up the Everest.
- The person whom I met today is the trustee of our college.
That and which can be used for persons as well as for animals and things.
Ex:
- This is the best movie that I ever seen.
- She is the most beautiful girl that I ever met.
- Which of these students will come first?
Definition and types of pronoun.