Personal Pronouns & Case
Pronouns that are used to refer to persons or things are called personal pronouns. Personal pronouns have three cases, or forms, called nominative, objective, and possessive. The case of a personal pronoun depends on how it is used in a sentence. The chart below lists the personal pronouns, their cases, and their uses.
Pronoun Case / Singular Pronouns / Plural Pronouns / Function in a SentenceNominative / I, you, he, she, it / we, you, they / subject or predicate
nominative
Objective / me, you, her, him, it / us, you, them / direct object, indirect object, or
object of preposition
Possessive / my, mine, your, yours, her, hers, his, its / our, ours, your, yours, their, theirs / replacement for possessive noun(s)
We gathered in the cafeteria for a meeting.
Taylor brought her to the game.
Dan thought the disc was yours.
Use the nominative pronoun who for subjects. Use the objective pronoun whom for thedirect or indirect object of a verb or verbal or for the object of a preposition.
Who wants to try out for the play? (nominative case—used as the predicate nominative)
Whom did you see at the mall? (objective case—used as the direct object)
Jarod, who lives next door, has a trampoline. (nominative case—used at the subject)
Gwen, whom he had known for years, was now an actress. (objective case—used as the direct object)
1. Select the sentence that uses pronoun case INCORRECTLY.
A. I will light the candles if the electricity goes out during the storm.
B. Because us arrived late, there was a delay before we could check into the hotel.
C. You must come to the banquet because you are the guest of honor.
D. He runs every morning and lifts weights three days per week as part of his athletic training.
2. Select the sentence that uses pronoun case INCORRECTLY.
A. Tanya and I went to the movies together last weekend.
B. The girls and us arrived simultaneously.
C. You and Janna have been friends for a long time, haven't you?
D. Darla and he have been dating for nearly 2 years now.
3. Select the sentence that uses pronoun case INCORRECTLY.
A. The only person left on stage at the end of the play is me.
B. The winners were we.
C. The best performing students have been we.
D. The past winners of the award had been we.
4. Select the sentence that uses pronoun case INCORRECTLY.
A. Don't bump her when you walk past.
B. The football was kicked directly to Jim, and he caught it.
C. We passed them on our way to school today.
D. His sister helped he prepare for that test.
5. Select the sentence that uses pronoun case INCORRECTLY.
A. His brother walked with him to the grocery store.
B. Tracy thought it was beneath her to wash dishes.
C. Let me borrow that book, please, when you are finished with it.
D. The spectators watched as the planes flew over they.
6. Select the sentence that uses pronoun case INCORRECTLY.
A. Me gardening helps me stay in shape, tan, and reduce stress.
B. Yes, that is my car parked under that tree.
C. The keys lying on the counter are mine.
D. Our house sits on the corner across from the park.
7. Select the sentence that uses pronoun case INCORRECTLY.
A. Both the cars in the garage are ours.
B. Please mind you manners at all times.
C. Is this wallet yours?
D. James explained his homework answers to Carla.
Pronoun Antecedent Agreement – In Number and Gender
An antecedent is the word or group of words to which a pronoun refers or that a pronoun replaces. A pronoun must agree with its antecedent in number (singular or plural) and gender (masculine, feminine, or neuter). A pronoun’s antecedent may be a noun, another pronoun, or a phrase or clause acting as a noun.
Paula brought her grandfather to speak to the class.
A pronoun must agree in person with its antecedent. When the antecedent of a pronoun is another pronoun, be sure that the two pronouns agree in person.
Bryangave his old guitar to Jacob. We want our money back!
Pronoun Antecedent Agreement – with Indefinite Pronoun Antecedents
In general, use a singular personal pronoun when the antecedent is a singular indefinite pronoun, such as:
anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, everybody, everyone,everything, much, neither, nobody, no one, nothing, one, other, somebody, someone, orsomething.
**If the antecedent refers to a person and the gender is not specific, it is usually**
most acceptable to use he or she, him or her, or his or hers.
Each of the boys folded his sleeping bag. Anyone can bring his or her favorite CD.
Use a plural personal pronoun when the antecedent is a plural indefinite pronoun, suchas:
several, both, few, and many.
Both of the runners broke their previous records.
Some indefinite pronouns can be either singular or plural depending on the context ofthe sentence:
all, any, enough, more, most, none, and some.
We will play if enough of the students bring their equipment.
8. Select the sentence that uses pronoun-antecedent agreement correctly.
A. The student who has parked their car in Mrs. Mareno’s parking space needs to move their vehicle immediately.
B. Each of the girls has already memorized her part.
C. When the team scored a goal, someone threw their shirt in the air.
D. Ashley and Jessica shop for shoes at Shoe Station because you can find great bargains there.
9. Select the sentence that uses pronoun-antecedent agreement incorrectly.
A. Neither Brian nor Deon has developed his photographs from the dance.
B. All of my soda has lost its fizz.
C. Everyone who is attending the field trip to the theater needs to bring their own lunch.
D. Aunt Katie promised to help Grant, Susanna, and me with our English projects.
10. Select the sentence that uses pronoun-antecedent agreement correctly.
A. One of the boys broke their arm during soccer practice.
B. I recognized one of the girls on the volleyball team, but I didn’t talk to her.
C. Neither of the girls brought their school supplies with them.
D. Each of the football players had brought their old cleats to the clothes’ drive.
11. Select the sentence that uses pronoun-antecedent agreement incorrectly.
A. The band just played its last song of the concert.
B. I am going to visit the Rocky Mountains where you can mountain climb.
C. None of us knows how we should react to this situation.
D. How did the Walkers get lost on their way on the road from Theodore to Satsuma?
12. Select the sentence that uses pronoun-antecedent agreement incorrectly.
A. This jury must make its decision based on evidence and testimony, not hearsay.
B. Does each of the members of the band have his or her uniform cleaned and pressed?
C. Neither Chelsea nor Kristin will drive her car to school today.
D. In the winter, they often visit Mobile when you can enjoy Mardi Gras.
13. Select the sentence that uses pronoun-antecedent agreement correctly.
A. Everyone should try sushi at least once to see if they like it.
B. Each one of the children crafted a play area for themselves.
C. At that time, few among the anthropologists spoke the language of their hosts.
D. An author must capture their readers' interest.
14. Select the sentence that uses pronoun-antecedent agreement correctly.
A. If the skirt or the dress is too long, have Aunt Jacqueline shorten them.
B. If you desire a delicious chocolate milk shake or a scrumptious hot fudge sundae, you can get them at Cody's Corner Stop.
C. Gas and most basic necessities are more expensive than they once were.
D. The restaurant's food and service are better than it used to be.
15. Select the sentence that uses pronoun-antecedent agreement correctly.
A. Wisely, most people in the audience had secured his or her seat long before the play began.
B. Wow! Both of the runners finished simultaneously, so they will have to race again.
C. You can't make a child independent by doing everything for them.
D. Whenever anyone gives directions, you should make them very clear.
16. Select the sentence that uses pronoun-antecedent agreement incorrectly.
A. Each of the boys built the bookshelves himself.
B. If anyone from the woman's club calls tonight, tell her that I am not home.
C. Neither Justin nor Dustin has finished their narrative essay, but it is not due until next Tuesday.
D. The Beautification Committee has its monthly meeting on the first Monday of each month.
17. Select the sentence that uses pronoun-antecedent agreement incorrectly.
A. Everybody brought their books to class.
B. Both students presented their report to the National Honor Society, which was meeting in the library.
C. Since that nation has not clearly defined its foreign policy, it has created distress abroad.
D. None of my neighbors need their lawns mowed this weekend.
Modifiers—Form and Degree
*Most adjectives and adverbs have three degrees: the positive, or base, form; the comparative form; and the superlative form.
The positive form of a modifier cannot be used to make a comparison. (This form appears as the entry word in the dictionary.)
~Positive: The brown calf is heavy.~The cat ran swiftly.
The comparative form of a modifier shows two things being compared.
~Comparative: The white calf is heavier than the brown calf.~My dog ran more swiftly than the cat.
The superlative form of a modifier shows three or more things being compared.
Superlative: The spotted calf is the heaviest calf in the herd.~I ran most swiftly of all.
In general, form the comparative by adding -er and the superlative by adding -est. (In some cases a spelling change is required.)
PositiveComparativeSuperlativePositiveComparativeSuperlative
green greener greenest loud louder loudest
hot hotter hottest true truer truest
ugly uglier ugliest pretty prettier prettiest
Use more and most (or less and least for the opposite) to form the degrees of comparison in the following situations:
1. adverbs that end in -ly.
~I see Sesto’s point more clearly than Gabrielle’s.
2. modifiers of three or more syllables.
~I think the green house is the most attractive house on the block.
3. whenever adding -er and -est sounds awkward.
~John was more afraid than Carol.
MODIFIERS WITH IRREGULAR FORMS OF COMPARISON
A few modifiers form their comparative and superlative degrees irregularly. Memorizingis the most helpful way to master them.
POSITIVE COMPARATIVE SUPERLATIVE
good better (the) best
well better(the) best
bad worse (the) worst
badly worse (the) worst
far (distance)farther(the) farthest
far (degree, time) further (the) furthest
little (amount) less (the) least
many more (the) most
much more (the) most
*Do not make a double comparison by using both -er or -est and more (less) or most(least).
~Incorrect: A redwood grows more taller than an oak.
~Correct: A redwood grows taller than an oak.
~Incorrect: Billie is my most closest friend.
~Correct: Billie is my closest friend.
*Do not make an incomplete or unclear comparison by omitting other or else when youcompare one member of a group with another.
~Unclear: Mercury is closer to the sun than any planet.
~Clear: Mercury is closer to the sun than any other planet.
~Unclear: My aunt has more pets than anyone.
~Clear: My aunt has more pets than anyone else.
*Be sure your comparisons are between like things.
~Unclear: The head of a gorilla is larger than a chimpanzee. (The head of a gorilla isnot larger than a whole chimpanzee.)
~Clear: The head of a gorilla is larger than that of a chimpanzee.
~Clear: The head of a gorilla is larger than a chimpanzee’s.
~Unclear: Maria’s hair is darker than Elke.
~Clear: Maria’s hair is darker than that of Elke.
~Clear: Maria’s hair is darker than Elke’s.
18. Choose the sentence with the incorrectmodifier.
A. Janet’s oral presentation is better than Jackson’s presentation.
B. Most people believe that hurricanes are the worse of all storms.
C. Football is a tougher sport to play than basketball.
D. That is the most I have ever eaten at any fast food restaurant.
19. Choose the sentence with the correct modifier.
A. This here flower needs water.
B. I can’t never make an “A” on an English test.
C. Most teachers think those textbooks are best for the students.
D. I ain’t not going to the fair with my parents this weekend.
20. Choose the sentence with the incorrect modifier.
A. The teacher felt that only Marcus knew the answer to the question.
B. I can’t believe she won the contest for best writer.
C. She views her daughter’s ideas as more practical than she views her son’s ideas.
D. The better book I have ever read was Killing Mr. Griffin by Lois Duncan.
21. Choose the sentence with the correct modifier.
A. I am most happier when I am at home listening to my music.
B. I don’t like it when I hardly make it on time for my appointments.
C. My more favorite hobby is decorating for special events.
D. I am happy when I know I have someone to count on.
22. Choose the sentence with the incorrect modifier.
A. Dogs are loyal animals to their owners.
B. The better wine is on the shelf, not on the table.
C. I ain’t hardly going to the county parade in this weather.
D. Rap music was popular during the 1980s.
23. Choose the sentence with the correct modifier.
A. What is most important: a stable job or a college education?
B. My dress for prom is the lesser of my worries.
C. This here vehicle is in bad condition.
D. In several short stories, the protagonist is smart as he fights against the antagonist.
24. Choose the sentence with the incorrect modifier.
A. My father feels badly after the argument with his brother.
B. My Richardson feels well after her surgery.
C. She speaks well of her best friend.
D. Those are some good fried tomatoes!
25. Choose the sentence with the correct modifier.
A. I isn’t helping my sister with her school play.
B. Them students are playing a game with the administrators.
C. I drove the more farther distance than my friends.
D. Sam has the most money in his penny jar than his twin sister
26. Choose the sentence with the correct modifier.
A. That is the bestest event I ever saw.
B. That is the worsest baseball game in baseball history.
C. I ain’t not never going to ride a roller coaster again.
D. Those children are an excellent representation of hard workers.
27. Choose the sentence with the incorrect modifier.
A. A good day at the park means lots of sunshine.
B. That story has a bad ending.
C. My new school schedule is more crazier than my last semester’s schedule.
D. My math test is the hardest I’ve have ever had.
Identifying Supporting Ideas
If you do not support our main idea, readers my not take your idea seriously and may not even understand what you are trying to say. To develop the main idea of a paragraph clearly, include details that support or explain the main idea. Supporting details, examples, anecdotes, facts, and statistics, and quotations. Stray ideas and details-those unrealted to the paragrpah's main idea-need to be edited out of the following paragraph.
Main Ideas
The main idea of a paragraph is a single thought that serves as the paragraph's focus. All the sentences in this paragraph relate to this idea. A topic sentence is a direct statement of the main idea of a paragraph. Although a topic sentence can appear anywhere in a paragraph, it is often located at or near the beginning. In a research paper, the topic sentence is called a thesis sentence, and it usually is the last sentence of the first paragraph.
A summary is a restatement in condensed form of the main points of a passage. It should be shorter than the original wwork and should include a sentence for each key point of the work it summarizes.
Drawing Conclusions
You draw a conclusion when you review a number of facts and details and use your prior knowledge to make a logical statment about a topic. They are more than just guesses.
Example Questions:
Many Americans are unaware of how pesticides affect our food supplies. Health risks are the inevitable result. Pesticides can run off into groudwater and run off into nearby streams, where they are carried from their original dispersal site. This is how pesticides end up in drinking water, fish, and game. And because of wind, rain, and evaporation, residues routinely show up in animals in the remotest parts of the world. For examples, if grain fields or rough lands are sprayed with pesticides, residues can show up in poultry, eggs, milk, and butter. The end result is that every food we eat carries pesticides as the inevitable consequence of spraying crops with these poisons. And human eposure doesn't even end there; residues are transferred from mother to child through the placenta and mother's milk.