Pronoun and its Type

What is a Pronoun?

Pronoun is a word that is used in place of nouns or noun phrase. It helps us to avoid mentioning the same naming word repeatedly. For example: – he, she, it, they, we, her, who, etc.

Examples of Pronoun in Sentences

I am going to the store.
She is my friend.
The book is mine.
I hurt myself.
We love each other.
This is my book.
Who is coming to the party?
They are talking to themselves.
He gave it to her.
You are my best friend.
That’s not mine.
It is raining outside.
She is very pretty.
They are my siblings.
Someone left their keys on the table.

Types of Pronouns

(a) Personal Pronoun
(b) Distributive Pronoun
(c) Demonstrative Pronoun
(d) Indefinite Pronoun
(e) Reflexive Pronoun
(f) Emphatic Pronoun
(g) Relative Pronoun
(h) Interrogative Pronoun
(i) Exclamatory Pronoun
(j) Reciprocal Pronoun
(k) Possessive Pronoun

(a) Personal Pronoun

Pronouns that refer to specific people or things is known as Personal Pronoun. For example, I, you, he, she, it, we, they, mine, his, etc. It can be used as the subject or object of a sentence, or as a possessive pronoun.

Personal pronoun is further divided into three main categories as mention below:
(i) First Person
(ii) Second Person
(iii) Third Person

Persons	Singular Form	Plural Form
First Person	I	We
Second Person	You	You
Third Person	He	They
	She
	It

(i) First Person: – Those pronouns which refer to the perspective of the person speaking or writing is known as First Person. For example, I (is singular) and We (is plural).

Examples of First Person in Sentences

I am going to the store.
We are going to the park.
I will see you later.
I will call you tomorrow.
We are going to the beach.

(ii) Second Person: – Pronouns which refers to the perspective of the person spoken or written to is known as Second Person. It denotes an audience. For example, You (is both singular and plural).

Examples of Second Person in Sentences

You are going to the store.
You are my best friend.
Will you see me later?
You will like this book.
Can you give me a hand?

(iii) Third Person: – Those pronouns which refer to the perspective of an observer or narrator, who is not a participant in the action is known as Third Person. It denotes the persons or things. For example, He, She, It (are singular) and They (is plural).

Examples of Second Person in Sentences

He is going to the store.
She is very talented.
It is raining outside.
They are my siblings.
He is drinking water.

Nominative Case: – It is used for the subject of a sentence. It is used for the pronoun or noun that is performing the action of the verb in a sentence. It is also known as Subjective Case. For example, “He is doing his assignment.” Here “He” is a nominative case.

Objective Case: – It is used for the object of a sentence. It is used for the pronoun or noun that is receiving the action of the verb in a sentence. For example, “He is doing his assignment.” Here “his” is an objective case.

Nominative Case	I, We, You, He, She, It, They
Objective Case	Me, Us, You, Him, Her, It, Them

(b) Distributive Pronoun

Pronouns that refer to a group of people or things, but refers to each member of that group individually is known as Distributive Pronoun. For example, Each, Every, Either and Neither.

Uses of Distributive Pronoun

“Each” is typically used to refer to a group of two or more people or things when you want to emphasize the individuality of each member of the group. For example, “Each student must turn in their homework”
“Every” is typically used to refer to a group of three or more people or things when you want to emphasize the completeness of the group or a regular occurrence. For example, “Every day, I have to take my dog for a walk.”
“Either” is used to indicate that one or the other of two possibilities is true or can be chosen. For example, “Either you can come to the party or you can stay home.”
“Neither” is used to indicate that neither of two possibilities is true or can be chosen. For example, “Neither of them is willing to take the responsibility”.
“Anyone or None” For more than two people or things use Any/Anyone instead of Either or use None instead of Neither.

Examples of Distributive Pronoun in Sentences

Each of us have a role to play.
Every single one of them is here.
Either you can come to the party or you can stay home.
Neither the blue shirt nor the red shirt is the right colour.
Each of the cookies was baked to perfection.
Every employee will receive a raise next month.
Each of the players will get a chance to play in the game.
Each of the books in the library is catalogued.
Each of the children received a prize.
Every day I learn something new.

(c) Demonstrative Pronoun

Pronouns that are used to point to and identify specific people, places, or things is known as Demonstrative Pronoun. For example, This, That, These, Those and Such.

Uses of Demonstrative Pronoun

“This” is used to refer to a singular noun or noun phrase that is nearby in space or time. For example, “This is my favourite book.”
“That” is used to refer to a singular noun or noun phrase that is farther away in space or time. For example, “That is my favourite movie.”
“These” is used to refer to a plural noun or noun phrase that is nearby in space or time. For example, “These are my favourite shoes.”
“Those” is used to refer to a plural noun or noun phrase that is farther away in space or time. For example, “Those are my favourite songs.”
“such” is used to refer to something that has been previously mentioned or is known. For example, “He has such a great sense of humour” (Here “such” is referring to “great sense of humour”).

Examples of Demonstrative Pronoun in Sentences

This is the best pizza I’ve ever had.
That building over there is where I work.
These flowers are from my garden.
Those mountains in the distance are my favourite view.
I’ve never seen such a beautiful sunset as this one.
This book is a must-read for anyone interested in history.
That concert was an unforgettable experience.
These shoes are so comfortable, I can walk all day.
Those clouds look like they are about to rain.
Such a beautiful day deserves to be celebrated with a picnic.

(d) Indefinite Pronoun

Pronouns that does not refer to a specific person, place, or thing is known as Indefinite Pronoun. For example, Anyone, Anything, Everyone, Everything, Everybody, Nobody, Nothing, Someone, Something and Somebody.

Uses of Indefinite Pronoun

“Anyone” can be used to refer to any person, regardless of who they are. For example, “Anyone can join the club.”
“Anything” can be used to refer to anything or any situation, regardless of what it is. For example, “I’ll eat anything you make for dinner.”
“Everyone” can be used to refer to all people, regardless of who they are. For example, “Everyone is welcome at the party.”
“Everything” can be used to refer to all things, regardless of what they are. For example, “I think about everything before making a decision.”
“Everybody” is a colloquial way of saying “Everyone” which is used to refer to all people, regardless of who they are. For example, “Everybody is invited to the party.”
“Nobody” can be used to refer to no person, regardless of who they are. For example, “Nobody knows what the future holds.”
“Nothing” can be used to refer to the absence of anything, regardless of what it is. For example, “I found nothing in the closet.”
“Someone” can be used to refer to any person, regardless of who they are. For example, “Someone is knocking at the door.”
“Something” can be used to refer to anything, regardless of what it is. For example, “I need something to drink.”
“Somebody” is a colloquial way of saying “Someone” which can be used to refer to any person, regardless of who they are. For example, “Somebody is knocking at the door.”

Examples of Indefinite Pronoun in Sentences

Anyone can make a difference in the world.
Anything is possible if you put your mind to it.
Everyone has their own unique talents.
Everything happens for a reason.
Everybody loves a good story.
Nobody is perfect.
Nothing can stop you if you truly believe in yourself.
Someone special will come into your life when you least expect it.
Something amazing is waiting for you around the corner.
Somebody out there needs your help.

(e) Reflexive Pronoun

Pronouns that refer back to the subject of the sentence or clause is known as Reflexive Pronoun. It is formed by adding -self or -selves to personal pronouns. For example, Myself, Yourself, Himself, Herself, Itself, Ourselves, Yourselves and Themselves.

Uses of Reflexive Pronoun

Used when the subject and the object of a sentence are the same. For example, “I hurt myself.” (In this sentence, “I” is the subject and “myself” is the reflexive pronoun acting as the object)
Used to indicate that the subject of the sentence is performing the action of the verb on itself. For example, “She prepared herself for the exam.”
Used to indicate emphasis. For example, “I myself am going to the store.”
Used to indicate that the subject of the sentence is performing an action alone. For example, “He enjoyed himself at the party.”

Examples of Reflexive Pronoun in Sentences

Myself and my friends will go to the concert together.
Yourself and your family should come to the party.
He built the house himself, without any help.
She did her hair herself for the wedding.
The machine was able to function itself without human intervention.
Ourselves and our team will be responsible for the project.
Yourselves should take care of the arrangements.
They are proud of themselves for their hard work.

(f) Emphatic Pronoun

Pronouns that are used to add emphasis to a sentence is known as Emphatic Pronoun. It is often used to stress the importance of a subject or object, or to indicate that the speaker or writer is personally involved in the action of the sentence. For example, Myself, Yourself, Himself, Herself, Itself, Ourselves, Yourselves and Themselves

Uses of Emphatic Pronoun

Used to stress the importance of the subject or object. For example, “I myself will be taking care of this project.” (In this sentence, “myself” is being used to emphasize that the speaker will be personally responsible for the project)
Used to indicate that the speaker or writer is personally involved in the action of the sentence. For example, “I will do it myself.” (In this sentence, “myself” is being used to indicate that the speaker is personally going to do the task)
Used to contrast the subject or object with others. For example, “He did it himself, unlike the others.”
Used to indicate that the subject or object is the only one responsible for the action. For example, “She herself made the cake.”

Examples of Emphatic Pronoun in Sentences

Myself, I think this plan has a lot of potential.
Yourself, you have the most experience with this project.
He convinced himself that he could do it.
She proved herself to be a valuable asset to the team.
It’s strange how the clock can keep perfect time by itself.
Ourselves, we need to take a break from this task.
You all should take care of yourselves.
They were able to finish the project by themselves.

(g) Relative Pronoun

Pronouns that are used to introduce a dependent clause and connect it to an independent clause is known as Relative Pronoun. For example, Who, Whom, Whose, Which and That.

Uses of Relative Pronoun

“Who” and “whom” are used to refer to people. For example, “The person who called is on the line.” (In this sentence, “who” is the relative pronoun and “called” is the verb in the dependent clause)
“Whose” is used to show possession. For example, “The car whose owner is unknown is parked in front of the store.” (In this sentence, “whose” is the relative pronoun and “owner is unknown” is the dependent clause)
“That” is used to refer to people, animals, and things. For example, “The book that I am reading is interesting.” (In this sentence, “that” is the relative pronoun and “I am reading” is the dependent clause)
“Which” is used to refer to animals, things, or groups of people or things. For example, “The song which was playing on the radio was my favourite.” (In this sentence, “which” is the relative pronoun and “was playing on the radio” is the dependent clause)

Examples of Relative Pronoun in Sentences

Who is going to the meeting with me?
Whom do you think will win the election?
Whose phone is ringing?
The car, which was parked on the street, was stolen.
That is the best decision you have made.
Who do you think should lead the project?
Whom do you want to invite to the party?
Whose jacket is this?
The company, which specializes in renewable energy, has seen growth in recent years.
That is the only way to solve this problem.

(h) Interrogative Pronoun

Pronouns that are used to ask questions is known as Interrogative Pronoun. For example, Who, Whom, Whose, Which and What.

Uses of Interrogative Pronoun

“Who” is used to ask about the identity of a person. For example, “Who is at the door?”
“Whom” is used to ask about the object of a verb or preposition. For example, “Whom are you talking to?”
“Whose” is used to ask about possession. For example, “Whose car is parked outside?”
“What” is used to ask about a thing or a situation. For example, “What is the problem?”
“Which” is used to ask about a choice or a selection. For example, “Which one do you want?”

Examples of Interrogative Pronoun in Sentences

Who is going to the meeting with me?
Who do you think will win the election?
Whom are you inviting to the party?
Whom do you want to speak with?
Whose car is parked outside?
Whose jacket is this?
What is the name of this movie?
What are you thinking about?
Which one do you prefer?
Which one do you want to buy?

(i) Exclamatory Pronoun

Pronouns that are used to express strong emotion or emphasis is known as Exclamatory Pronoun. For example, What and Such.

Uses of Exclamatory Pronoun

“What” is used to express surprise, amazement, or admiration. For example, “What a beautiful sunset!”
“Such” is used to express strong admiration or approval. For example, “Such a kind person!”

Examples of Exclamatory Pronoun in Sentences

What a great idea!
Such a beautiful morning!
What a wonderful performance!
Such a lovely dress!
What a terrible news!
What a fantastic game!
Such a great accomplishment!
What a terrible mistake!
Such a delicious meal!
What a breath-taking view!

(j) Reciprocal Pronoun

Pronouns that are used to show mutual actions or feelings among two or more people or things is known as Reciprocal Pronoun. For example, Each other and One another.

Uses of Reciprocal Pronoun

“Each other” is used to refer to two people or things. For example, “John and Jane love each other.”
“One another” is used to refer to three or more people or things. For example, “The members of the team support one another.”

It’s worth noting that “each other” and “one another” can be used interchangeably, depending on the context and the writer’s preference.

Examples of Reciprocal Pronoun in Sentences

The two friends always help each other.
The siblings are always fighting with one another.
The students were encouraging one another.
They were dancing with each other.
The couple had been married for 50 years, and they still loved each other
The siblings were always competing with each other.
The employees were assisting one another with their tasks.
The children were playing with each other in the park.
The teams were congratulating one another on their wins.
The friends were supporting each other through difficult times.

(k) Possessive Pronoun

Pronouns that are used to indicate possession or ownership of something is known as Possessive Pronoun. For example, Mine, Yours, His, Hers, Its, Ours and Theirs.

Uses of Possessive Pronoun

“Mine” is used to indicate possession by the speaker. For example, “This book is mine.”
“Yours” is used to indicate possession by the person being spoken to. For example, “This book is yours.”
“His” is used to indicate possession by a male person or animal. For example, “This book is his.”
“Hers” is used to indicate possession by a female person or animal. For example, “This book is hers.”
“Its” is used to indicate possession by an inanimate object or a non-gendered noun. For example, “This book is its.”
“Ours” is used to indicate possession by the speaker and one or more other people. For example, “This book is ours.”
“Theirs” is used to indicate possession by a group of people or animals other than the speaker or the person being spoken to. For example, “This book is theirs.”

Examples of Possessive Pronoun in Sentences

That painting is mine.
This is yours.
His car is the red one.
Hers is the blue one.
The toy is broken, it’s missing its
The project is ours, we worked together on it.
That is theirs, they earned it.
The house on the corner is mine.
I think you left your umbrella here.
His dog is the one that barks the most.