Subject Pronoun: Definition, Examples & Rules | English Grammar
Last Updated: 01 Jul, 2025
Welcome! In this lesson, you'll learn everything you need to know about Subject 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 a Subject Pronoun?
Subject Pronoun Definition: A Subject Pronoun is a word that replaces a noun and functions as the subject of a sentence. Subject pronouns tell us who or what is performing the action in the sentence.
Why are Subject Pronouns Important? They help us avoid repetition, make sentences clearer, and are essential for proper sentence structure in English. Subject pronouns are the most common type of pronouns we use in everyday communication.
Function in Grammar
Subject pronouns are used as the subject of a sentence - the person, place, or thing that performs the action. They always come before the verb and tell us who or what is doing something. For example:
- Without Subject Pronouns: John went to the store. John bought milk. John came home.
- With Subject Pronouns: John went to the store. He bought milk. He came home.
Subject Pronoun vs Object Pronoun: Subject pronouns (I, you, he, she, it, we, they) are used as the subject of a sentence, while object pronouns (me, you, him, her, it, us, them) are used as the object.
Subject Pronoun vs Object 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.
📌 Subject Pronoun Challenge!
Can you identify which words are subject pronouns in these sentences?
- She went to the store yesterday.
- They are playing in the park.
- I love reading books.
Show Answers
- She
- They
- I
Examples of Subject Pronouns in Sentences
- I am going to school.
- You are my best friend.
- He is reading a book.
- She loves to dance.
- It is raining today.
- We are going to the movies.
- You (plural) are invited to the party.
- They are playing football.
- I study English every day.
- He works in a hospital.
- She teaches mathematics.
- It looks beautiful.
- We live in the city.
- You speak very well.
- They arrived early.
Notice how each subject pronoun comes before the verb and tells us who or what is performing the action.
Types of Subject Pronouns
- First Person Singular: I (speaker)
- First Person Plural: we (speaker + others)
- Second Person Singular: you (person spoken to)
- Second Person Plural: you (people spoken to)
- Third Person Singular Masculine: he (male person/animal)
- Third Person Singular Feminine: she (female person/animal)
- Third Person Singular Neuter: it (thing/animal/idea)
- Third Person Plural: they (people/things)
Special Rules and Notes
- Position: Subject pronouns always come before the verb in declarative sentences (I am happy, not Am I happy).
- Capitalization: "I" is always capitalized, even in the middle of a sentence.
- Gender Agreement: Use "he" for males, "she" for females, and "it" for things or animals when gender is unknown.
- Number Agreement: Use singular pronouns (he, she, it) for one person/thing and plural pronouns (they, we) for multiple.
- "They" as Singular: "They" can be used as a singular pronoun when referring to a person whose gender is unknown or non-binary.
- Questions: In questions, subject pronouns come after the auxiliary verb: "Are you ready?" "Is he coming?"
- Compound Subjects: When using multiple subjects, use the appropriate subject pronoun: "He and I are friends."
- Formal vs Informal: "You" is used for both singular and plural, formal and informal situations in modern English.
Quick Quiz: Spot the Subject Pronoun!
Which words are subject pronouns in these sentences?
- She went to the store with her friend.
- They are playing in the park.
- I love reading books.
- He gave me a present.
- We are going to the movies.
Answers: She, They, I, He, We
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a subject pronoun?
A subject pronoun is a pronoun that functions as the subject of a sentence, performing the action of the verb. Examples include I, you, he, she, it, we, and they.
What are all the subject pronouns in English?
The subject pronouns are: I, you, he, she, it, we, and they.
What is the difference between subject and object pronouns?
Subject pronouns (I, he, she, we, they) perform the action in a sentence, while object pronouns (me, him, her, us, them) receive the action.
Can subject pronouns be used after prepositions?
No, subject pronouns cannot be used after prepositions. Use object pronouns instead. Say "between you and me" not "between you and I".
When do you use "I" vs "me" in compound subjects?
Use "I" when it's part of the subject. For example: "John and I went to the store" not "John and me went to the store".
Is "they" a subject pronoun?
Yes, "they" is a subject pronoun used for plural subjects and can also be used as a singular pronoun for non-binary individuals.
How do subject pronouns help sentence structure?
Subject pronouns help identify who or what is performing the action in a sentence, making the sentence structure clear and grammatically correct.
Why are subject pronouns important?
Subject pronouns help avoid repetition and clearly identify who or what is performing the action in a sentence, making communication more efficient and natural.
Conclusion
Understanding subject pronouns is key to writing and speaking English clearly and accurately. Subject pronouns help you clearly identify who or what is performing the action in your sentences. Always remember that they come before the verb and replace the subject noun. Practice identifying and using them in everything you read or write. The more you practice, the easier it gets!