Object Pronoun: Definition, Examples & Rules | English Grammar
Last Updated: 01 Jul, 2025
Welcome! In this lesson, you'll learn everything you need to know about Object Pronouns in English grammar. We'll cover what they are, why they matter, how to use them, and how to avoid common mistakes. You'll also find real-life examples, a quick quiz, and pro tips to help you master this essential grammar topic.
What is an Object Pronoun?
Object Pronoun Definition: An Object Pronoun is a word that replaces a noun and functions as the object of a sentence. Object pronouns receive the action of the verb or follow prepositions.
Why are Object Pronouns Important? They help us avoid repetition, make sentences clearer, and are essential for proper sentence structure when referring to the receiver of an action in English.
Function in Grammar
Object pronouns are used as the object of a sentence - the person, place, or thing that receives the action. They come after the verb or preposition and tell us who or what is receiving the action. For example:
- Without Object Pronouns: John gave the book to Mary. John helped Mary with homework.
- With Object Pronouns: John gave the book to her. John helped her with homework.
Object Pronoun vs Subject Pronoun: Object pronouns (me, you, him, her, it, us, them) receive the action, while subject pronouns (I, you, he, she, it, we, they) perform the action.
Object Pronoun vs Subject Pronoun
| Subject Pronoun | Object Pronoun | Example |
|---|---|---|
| I | me | I love you. / You love me. |
| you | you | You help me. / I help you. |
| he | him | He sees her. / She sees him. |
| she | her | She calls him. / He calls her. |
| it | it | It works well. / I like it. |
| we | us | We visit them. / They visit us. |
| they | them | They help us. / We help them. |
A subject pronoun performs the action, while an object pronoun receives the action.
📌 Object Pronoun Challenge!
Can you identify which words are object pronouns in these sentences?
- She gave the book to him.
- They invited us to the party.
- I love you very much.
Show Answers
- him
- us
- you
Examples of Object Pronouns in Sentences
- Give me the book.
- She gave him a gift.
- They invited us to dinner.
- I love you.
- He helped her with homework.
- We saw them at the mall.
- She bought it yesterday.
- They told me the truth.
- He called her last night.
- We asked them to join us.
- She gave it to me.
- They helped us move.
- I told you the secret.
- He showed her the way.
- We found them in the park.
Notice how each object pronoun comes after the verb and receives the action.
Types of Object Pronouns
- First Person Singular: me (speaker as object)
- First Person Plural: us (speaker + others as object)
- Second Person Singular: you (person spoken to as object)
- Second Person Plural: you (people spoken to as object)
- Third Person Singular Masculine: him (male person/animal as object)
- Third Person Singular Feminine: her (female person/animal as object)
- Third Person Singular Neuter: it (thing/animal/idea as object)
- Third Person Plural: them (people/things as object)
Object Pronoun Chart
| Person | Number | Object Pronoun | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Person | Singular | me | She loves me. |
| 1st Person | Plural | us | They invited us. |
| 2nd Person | Singular/Plural | you | I love you. |
| 3rd Person | Singular (Male) | him | She called him. |
| 3rd Person | Singular (Female) | her | He helped her. |
| 3rd Person | Singular (Neutral) | it | We bought it. |
| 3rd Person | Plural | them | I saw them. |
Object pronouns show who or what receives the action or follows prepositions.
Special Rules and Notes
- Position: Object pronouns come after the verb or preposition in a sentence.
- Prepositions: Always use object pronouns after prepositions (to me, with him, for her, between us).
- Direct vs Indirect Objects: Object pronouns can be both direct objects (She saw me) and indirect objects (Give me the book).
- Compound Objects: In compound objects, use object pronouns: "The teacher called John and me" (not "John and I").
- "You" as Object: "You" is the same for both subject and object pronouns.
- Gender Agreement: Use "him" for males, "her" for females, and "it" for things or animals when gender is unknown.
- Common Mistake: Don't use subject pronouns after prepositions. Say "between you and me," not "between you and I."
- Formal vs Informal: "You" is used for both singular and plural, formal and informal situations.
Quick Quiz: Spot the Object Pronoun!
Which words are object pronouns in these sentences?
- She gave the book to him.
- They invited us to the party.
- I love you very much.
- He told her the secret.
- We saw them at the store.
Answers: him, us, you, her, them
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an object pronoun?
An object pronoun is a pronoun that receives the action of a verb or follows a preposition. Examples include me, you, him, her, it, us, and them.
What are all the object pronouns in English?
The object pronouns are: me, you, him, her, it, us, and them.
What is the difference between subject and object pronouns?
Subject pronouns (I, he, she, we, they) perform the action, while object pronouns (me, him, her, us, them) receive the action or follow prepositions.
When do you use object pronouns after prepositions?
Always use object pronouns after prepositions. For example: "between you and me", "for him and her", "with us".
How do you choose between "I" and "me" in sentences?
Use "I" when it's the subject (performing action) and "me" when it's the object (receiving action). For example: "I called him" vs "He called me".
Can object pronouns be used as indirect objects?
Yes, object pronouns can function as both direct and indirect objects. For example: "Give me the book" (indirect) or "She saw me" (direct).
What's the rule for compound objects?
In compound objects, use object pronouns. Say "The teacher called John and me" not "The teacher called John and I".
Why are object pronouns important?
Object pronouns help show who or what receives the action in a sentence, making the meaning clear and maintaining proper grammar structure.
Conclusion
Understanding object pronouns is key to writing and speaking English clearly and accurately. Object pronouns help you show who or what receives the action in your sentences and are essential after prepositions. Always remember that they come after the verb or preposition and replace the object noun. Practice identifying and using them in everything you read or write. The more you practice, the easier it gets!