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.