Using Pronouns Correctly

When you write a personal narrative, a short story, or any other form of narrative writing, you will need to use pronouns frequently. To help you use them correctly—and learn how to revise them when you don't—review the rules discussed in this lesson.

In a sentence, a pronoun may be used as either a subject or an object. In general, use subject pronouns before the verb in a sentence; use object pronouns after a verb or a preposition. Keep in mind that subject and object pronouns sometimes have different forms, as shown in the table below.

Subject	Object
I	me
you	you
he, she, it	him, her, it
we	us
you	you
they	them

Use a subject pronoun after a linking verb, however: The writer of the report on seatbelt safety was she. Also remember to use subject pronouns in compound subjects and object pronouns in compound objects. Study the following examples:

Compound Subject	He and Margo will enter the health and science fair.
Compound Subject	Jackie and I plan to chart the constellations.
Compound Object	Would you tell her and James what time it will begin?
Compound Object	Astronomy interests him and me.
Compound Object	Peter will demonstrate a volcano with Meena and her.