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C H A P T E R 6

USING THE CORRECT FORM

OF THE PRONOUN

C H A P T E R P R E V I E W

I n t h i s c h a p t e r, y o u w i l l l e a r n a b o u t :
■ The classes of pronouns
Personal
Indefinite
Demonstrative
Relative
Intensive
Reflexive
Interrogative
■ Who and whom
■ Writing paragraphs: Coherence in the paragraph
by using transitional words and phrases

M ost of us—unless we were just beginning to learn the English language or were
babies—would not be likely to say or write sentences like “Me am tired” or “Her is my sis-
ter.” We instinctively know that I is the subject for am and that she is used with is. Unfortu-
nately, the choices we face in our writing and speaking are not always so obvious. For
example, do we say “between you and I” or “between you and me”? What about “he and
myself”? Is there any way to know when to use “who” and “whom”? Pronouns can cause a
great deal of uncertainty, even among the most educated writers and speakers.
One probable reason for confusion over pronouns is the existence of so many classes and
forms from which to choose. Unlike prepositions, conjunctions, and most other parts of speech,

120
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The Classes of Pronouns 121

pronouns have the distracting habit of changing their forms or spellings depending on the ways
they are used in particular sentences. To use them with confidence, therefore, it is helpful to rec-
ognize the various kinds of pronouns and to learn the specific way each kind is used in sentences.
We will begin our study of this confusing part of speech with an overview of the most
important classes of pronouns and then will examine them more closely. The chart on
page 122 gives a summary of the classes of pronouns.

The Classes of Pronouns

Pronouns can be classified according to their form (the way they are spelled) and their
function (the way they are used in a sentence) as follows:
1. Personal Pronouns—These pronouns refer to specific individuals, and they are the
pronouns most frequently used in writing and speaking. Personal pronouns can be sin-
gular or plural, and they can be classified by gender (masculine, feminine, or neuter)
and by case (subjective, possessive, and objective), depending on function.
2. Indefinite Pronouns—Although they function as nouns, indefinite pronouns (such as
anyone, someone, and somebody) do not refer to specific individuals. Because of the im-
portance of pronoun agreement and reference, they are treated in detail in Chapter 7,
“Common Errors in Pronoun Agreement and Reference.”
3. Demonstrative Pronouns—Demonstrative pronouns point out people or things, as in
the following example.
■ This is the house I was born in. Those are the trees my father planted.

4. Relative Pronouns—These pronouns connect or relate groups of words to nouns or

other pronouns, as in the following sentence.
■ A Vietnam veteran suffering from cancer testified that it was caused by chemicals
used during the war.

Because relative pronouns are used to introduce dependent clauses in complex sen-
tences, they are discussed in Chapter 8, “Compound and Complex Sentences.”
5. Intensive and Reflexive Pronouns—Intensive pronouns strengthen or intensify the
subject of a verb.
■ I did it myself.
■ You yourself are guilty.

Reflexive pronouns are used to direct the action of a verb toward its subject.
■ He helped himself to the cake.
■ They let themselves into the apartment.
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122 Using the Correct Form of the Pronoun

6. Interrogative Pronouns—These pronouns introduce questions.

■ Who can identify J. K. Rowling?

■ Whose boomerang is this?
■ What is the anticipated population of the United States in 2025?

Because personal pronouns are used most often—and because they cause most of the
problems in pronoun usage—we will begin with them.

Pronouns by Class

Personal
I, you, he, she, it, we, they, me, her, him, us, them, my, mine, your,
yours, hers, his, its, our, ours, their, theirs
Indefinite
all, another, any, anybody, anyone, anything, both, each, either,
everybody, everyone, everything, few, many, more, most, much,
neither, nobody, none, no one, nothing, one, other, several, some,
somebody, someone, something, such
Demonstrative
this, that, these, those
Relative
who, whose, whom, which, what, that
Intensive and Reflexive
myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourselves,
themselves
Interrogative
who, whose, whom, which, what

Personal Pronouns
Subject Pronouns
Subject pronouns are used as subjects of verbs, as predicate pronouns, or as appositives
identifying a subject. They are sometimes called nominative pronouns.
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Personal Pronouns 123

Subject Pronouns
I you she he it who whoever we they

Subject of a Verb

■ Alireza and I (not me) played Guitar Hero until midnight.

■ Both she and I (not her or me) will make sandwiches for homeless people next week.

Note: In some sentences a pronoun will be the subject of an implied verb. This occurs of-
ten in comparisons introduced by than or as. In such cases the subject form of the pronoun
should be used. In the following sentences, the implied verbs are in parentheses.

■ Jake speaks Spanish better than I (can).

■ They are not as interested in NASCAR as we (are).
■ He cooks dinner more often than she (does).

Predicate Pronoun A pronoun that comes after some form of the verb to be and
describes or renames the subject is called a predicate pronoun. It must be a subject pronoun.
■ You will know that it is she (not her) by reading her name tag. (She is a predicate pro-
noun because it follows the linking verb is and renames or identifies the subject it.)
■ The last ones to buy Alicia Keys concert tickets were Kelly and I (not me). (I follows
the linking verb were and, with Kelly, means the same as the subject ones.
Therefore, the subject form I is needed.)
■ Holly thought it was they (not them) who rang her doorbell at midnight. (As in the
other two sentences, the pronoun following the linking verb identifies the subject
and is therefore in the subject form.)

Note: Some exceptions to this rule are allowed. It is me, it is her, and it is them, for example,
are widely used and accepted in informal situations. In formal speaking and writing, however,
the preferred forms are It is I, it is she, and it is they. Follow the advice of your instructor.

Appositive Identifying the Subject An appositive is a word or group of words that

renames or identifies an immediately preceding noun.
(appositive)
■ Jon Stewart, host of “The Daily Show,” was born Jonathan Stuart Leibowitz in 1962.
(appositive)
■ Our new neighbor Terry was wounded in Iraq.
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124 Using the Correct Form of the Pronoun

TIPS for Using Subject Pronouns

1. Memorize the subject pronouns: I, you, he, she, it, who, whoever, we, and they.
2. Remember that only subject pronouns can be subjects of verbs.
3. If a pronoun is part of a compound subject, break the sentence into two parts:
“My brother and me get along well” is nonstandard, as revealed by the follow-
ing test: “My brother gets along well. Me gets along well.” The sentence then
should read: “My brother and I get along well.”

Occasionally, a pronoun will serve as an appositive that renames the subject of a

sentence or a predicate noun, a noun that follows a linking verb and renames the subject.
In such cases the pronoun should be in the subject form. Note carefully the following
sentences.

■ Only two members, Zack and I (not me), failed the weight requirement. (I, a subject
pronoun, is in an appositive phrase renaming the subject, members.)
■ The exceptions were the two new members, Carolyn and she (not her). (She is in an
appositive phrase renaming the predicate noun, members.)

EXERCISE 6-1
In the following sentences, underline every pronoun used as the subject of a verb, and write “a”
above it. Underline all pronouns used as predicate pronouns, and write “b” above them.
Underline all pronouns used as appositives identifying the subject, and write “c” above them.
Ignore all pronouns not used in these three ways.
a
1. Sheila and I received help from Coach Foster for improving our bunting skills.
a a b a
2. By your sheepish grin I knew that it was you who had planned the surprise.
a
3. When the mayor received criticism, he usually ignored it.
c
4. Three members of my family—my brother, my sister, and I—were born in Illinois.
a
5. Tim graduated from Vanderbilt University when he was only eighteen.
a b a
6. The coach said that it was he, not the team, who was to blame for the defeat.
a a
7. After I give my dog a scoop of ice cream, she always kisses me.
a
8. It was difficult to listen to him without breaking out into laughter.
a
9. Professor Duchovny said that he was retiring at the end of the semester.
c
10. Two applicants for the job—Max and I—were asked to furnish references from our
previous employers.
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Personal Pronouns 125

Object Pronouns
As their name suggests, object pronouns are used as objects: objects of prepositions,
objects of verbs, and indirect objects.

Object Pronouns
me you him her it us whom them

Object of a Preposition In Chapter 2 you saw that a preposition is followed by a noun

or pronoun. The noun or pronoun is called the object of the preposition. When the object
of the preposition is a pronoun, it must be an object pronoun.

■ Between you and me (not I), his singing is off-key.

■ Her smiling parents stood next to her (not she) at the capping
ceremony.
■ Solar energy is a possible answer to the energy problems faced by us (not we)
Americans.

When the object of a preposition is a noun and a pronoun, there is a mistaken tendency
to use the subject form of the pronoun, as in the following sentence:

■ Nonstandard: Claudio’s parents gave their concert tickets to Claudio and I. (I is

nonstandard because it is a subject pronoun; after a proposition,
an object pronoun should be used.)

The best way to correct sentences like this is to break them up into separate sentences.
Study the following sequence carefully.

■ Standard: Claudio’s parents gave their concert tickets to Claudio.

Claudio’s parents gave their concert tickets to me (not I ).
Claudio’s parents gave their concert tickets to Claudio and me.

Direct Object A direct object is the word that receives the action of the verb. It can
follow only an action verb, never a linking verb. When a pronoun is used as a direct object,
it must be an object pronoun.

■ The falling tree missed him by only a few feet.

■ My big brother took me with him on his first date.
■ Please call us if you get lost.
■ Reggie married her before going to boot camp.
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126 Using the Correct Form of the Pronoun

As in the case of prepositions, when both a noun and a pronoun are the direct objects of
the same verb, the object form for the pronoun is used. Notice the following is nonstandard.

■ Nonstandard: Kayla surprised Garfield and I with her answer.

By breaking up this sentence into two separate sentences, you can determine the correct form.

■ Standard: Kayla surprised Garfield with her answer.

Kayla surprised me (not I ) with her answer.
Kayla surprised Garfield and me with her answer.

In some sentences a pronoun will be the object of an implied verb. This occurs frequently
in comparisons introduced by than and as. In such cases the object form of the pronoun
should be used. (Compare this construction with pronouns used as the subject of implied
verbs, as explained on page 123.) In the following sentences, the implied subjects and verbs
are in parentheses.

■ Eric knows my brother much better than (he knows) me.

■ The nurse said the shot would hurt her as much as (it hurt) him.

Using the correct pronoun after than and as is important, as the following sentences
show. What is the difference in meaning between these sentences?

■ My girlfriend likes strong coffee more than I.

■ My girlfriend likes strong coffee more than me.

Indirect Objects An indirect object is the person or thing to whom or for whom some-
thing is done. The indirect object may be thought of as the recipient of the direct object,
and it almost always comes between the action verb and the direct object. When a pronoun
is used as an indirect object, the object form of the pronoun should be used.

■ The mail carrier gave me (not I ) a registered letter.

■ The dealer offered Bill and her (not she) a discount on the tires.
■ Our neighbors sent us (not we) a postcard from England.

TIPS for Using Object Pronouns

1. Memorize the object pronouns: me, you, him, her, it, whom, whomever, us,
and them.
2. Use object pronouns when they follow action verbs and prepositions.
3. Never say or write “between you and I.” The correct form is “between
you and me.”
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Personal Pronouns 127

EXERCISE 6-2
In the following sentences, underline every object pronoun and above it write the letter that
indicates how it is used in the sentence:
a. object of preposition b. direct object c. indirect object
c
1. Vinny proudly showed her his new car.
a
2. A kind neighbor baked some cookies for my dog and me.
c
3. Our physics professor gave us a study guide for the final examination.
b
4. He helped us by distributing copies of last year’s exam.
a
5. To impress his girlfriend, Sam wrote a poem and dedicated it to her.
a
6. El Cholo has been a favorite restaurant among my friends and me.
c
7. The travel agency showed Arturo and me some enticing brochures about the
Dominican Republic.
c
8. Anthony sent us frequent emails while he travelled throughout the East Coast.
b
9. The audience greeted them with a standing ovation when they returned for an
encore.
c
10. Our senator gave us an interview when we visited her office during Spring Break.

EXERCISE 6-3
In the space provided, write the letter that corresponds to the correct pronoun.

a 1. The bystanders cheered for (a. us b. we) band members as we marched

down the street.
b 2. Tony brought home a pizza for the kids and (a. I b. me).
b 3. The store owner gave her and (a. I b. me) good advice about choosing
new running shoes.
b 4. Professor Abedi said that (a. us b. we) seniors still had one more exam
before graduation.
a 5. Robin deserves the prize much more than (a. I b. me).
a 6. If you take the train, you’ll arrive before (a. us b. we).
b 7. Dinner at The Grub Hut was more fun for Annie than for (a. I b. me).
b 8. Between you and (a. I b. me), Toby has no chance of appearing on
“American Idol.”
a 9. Jamila said that Mira and (a. I b. me) should try her new Wii game.
b 10. Ari suggested that (a. us b. we) skateboarders should stay off the sidewalks.
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128 Using the Correct Form of the Pronoun

Possessive Pronouns
The possessive pronouns are used to show ownership or possession of one person or
thing by another. Most pronouns have two possessive forms.

Possessive Pronouns
my mine our ours his her hers
its their theirs your yours

Use mine, yours, his, hers, its, ours, or theirs when the possessive pronoun is separated
from the noun that it refers to:

■ The decision was mine.

■ The problem became theirs.
■ The car keys that were found were hers.

Use my, your, his, her, its, our, or their when the possessive pronoun comes immediately
before the noun it modifies:

■ It was my decision.
■ It became their problem.
■ She lost her car keys.

The possessive form is typically used immediately before a noun ending in -ing. (Such
nouns are called gerunds, and they are formed by adding -ing to verbs: walking, riding, think-
ing, and so on.)

■ The team objected to his taking credit for the win.

■ Our bombing of the harbor was protested by the Cuban delegation.
■ Everyone was glad to hear of your winning a scholarship.

The possessive forms of it, who, and you (its, whose, and yours) cause problems for many
writers. Remember that the apostrophe in it’s, who’s, and you’re indicates that these words

TIPS for Using Possessive Pronouns

The possessive pronouns do not contain apostrophes.
Examples: It’s means “it is” or “it has.” (Its is the possessive.)
Who’s means “who is” or “who has.” (Whose is the possessive.)
You’re means “you are.” (Your is the possessive.)
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Relative Pronouns 129

are contractions, not possessive forms. In Chapter 11 we will look closely at the use of the
apostrophe in contractions and possessive nouns.
Notice the difference between the following pairs of words:

■ It’s (it is) important to follow a program of regular exercise.

■ A cardiologist spoke to our physical education class on jogging and its effects on the
cardiovascular system.
■ She thinks that she knows who’s (who is) responsible for this mess.
■ Whose idea was this, anyway?
■ You’re (you are) expected to be ready by five o’clock.
■ Have you memorized your account number?

EXERCISE 6-4
In the space provided, write the letter corresponding to the correct word.
b 1. My wife objects to (a. me b. my) playing Usher CDs early in the morning.
b 2. (a. Whose b. Who’s) buried in U. S. Grant’s tomb?
a 3. An artist (a. whose b. who’s) painting won an award later admitted that
his toddler had made it.
a 4. Mica’s German Shepherd is afraid of (a. its b. it’s) own shadow.
a 5. How do you feel about Ozzy Osbourne moving into (a. your b. you’re)
neighborhood?
b 6. Did Moises offer a reason for (a. him b. his) getting a second tattoo?
a 7. The man on the left in the picture is (a. their b. they’re) father.
b 8. (a. Its b. It’s) crucial to set your parking brake when positioned uphill.
b 9. Does Joan know that (a. your b. you’re) using her swimming pool while
she is at work?
b 10. This beautiful bouquet is for (a. who b. whom)?

Relative Pronouns
Relative pronouns can be used in two ways in a sentence: they can connect one clause
with another, and they can act as subjects or objects in their own clauses.

Relative Pronouns
who whose whom which what that whatever
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130 Using the Correct Form of the Pronoun

As connecting words:

■ Famine is one of the major problems that Africa faces.

■ He usually accomplishes whatever he tries to do.

As subjects or objects in their own clauses:

■ Bob Beamon’s record for the long jump, which has never been surpassed,
was set in Mexico City in 1968.
■ Two pedestrians who were walking near the curb were hit by flying glass.
■ A woman who spoke French helped the couple from Paris.

Who, Which, and That : Special Uses

As relative pronouns, who, which, and that each have particular uses. Use who and whom
only for people.

■ Neil Armstrong was the first man who set foot on the moon.
■ She is one of those natural athletes who can play any sport.
■ Kate Smith was a singer whom everyone admired.
■ Lance Armstrong is an athlete whom the whole world
recognizes.

Use which only for animals and things.

■ Her dog, which is a dachshund, sleeps under her bed.

■ The car which hit me was a new Mercedes.

Use that for animals, people, and things.

■ A letter that does not have sufficient postage will be returned to

its sender.
■ A desk that belonged to Thomas Jefferson was sold recently for six thousand
dollars.
■ Every cat that does not have a license will be put in the animal pound.
■ A stranger that claimed he was lost seized Andy’s wallet and ran.
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Intensive and Reflexive Pronouns 131

Intensive and Reflexive Pronouns: Pronouns

Ending in -self and -selves
Several pronouns end in -self or -selves.

Intensive and Reflexive Pronouns

myself yourself himself herself
itself ourselves yourselves themselves

As reflexive pronouns, these pronouns are used when the action of the sentence is done
by the subject to himself or herself:

■ They helped themselves to the cookies.

■ I tried to bathe myself despite my broken arm.

As intensive pronouns, these words stress or emphasize another noun or pronoun.

■ She tuned the engine herself.

■ You yourself are to blame.
■ The president himself awarded the medals to the members of the color guard.

These pronouns should not be used in place of a subject or object pronoun.

■ Nonstandard: My wife and myself would be happy to accept your invitation.

■ Standard: My wife and I would be happy to accept your invitation.

■ Nonstandard: On behalf of my family and myself, I would like to express our

gratitude to all of you.
■ Standard: On behalf of my family and me, I would like to express our
gratitude to all of you.

■ Nonstandard: Kevin helped Linda and myself install a new carburetor in my Camry.
■ Standard: Kevin helped Linda and me install a new carburetor in my Camry.

Never use forms like hisself, theirself, theirselves, or ourself. These are nonstandard in both
informal and formal speech and writing, and they should always be avoided.

TIPS on Pronouns
1. Who is the subject form; whom is the object form.
2. Do not use pronouns ending in -self or -selves as subjects or objects.
3. Never use hisself, theirself, theirselves, or ourself.
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132 Using the Correct Form of the Pronoun

Some Problems with Pronouns: Who and Whom

Not observing the differences between who and whom is a trap into which some writers
and speakers occasionally fall. Whom has nearly disappeared from informal English, whether
spoken or written. In formal English, however, the differences between the two words are
still important and should be learned.
The first step to take when selecting the correct form is to determine which word is the
subject and which is the object. Who is the subject form.

■ Who is at the door? (Who is the subject of is.)

■ Who did he say was at the door? (Notice that did he say does not affect the subject
pronoun who as the subject of the verb was.)
■ Who wants to help me wash the car? (Who is the subject of wants.)
■ Who do you think wants to help me wash the car? (Who is still the subject of wants
and is not affected by the words that separate it from the verb.)

Whom is the object form.

■ Whom did you see? (If you turn this question around, you can see that whom is the
object of the verb did see: “You did see whom?”)
■ With whom do you study? (Whom is the object of the preposition with.)
■ Whom you know sometimes seems to be more important than what you know.
(Whom is the object of the verb know.)

If you are uncertain about the correct form, substitute a personal pronoun (he, him;
they, them). If he or they fits, use who; if him or them fits, use whom. Study the following
examples.

■ I do not know (who, whom) he wanted. (Substitute him: “He wanted him.” The
correct form is “I do not know whom he wanted.”)
■ (Who, whom) shall I say is calling? (Substitute he: “He is calling.” The correct form
is “Who shall I say is calling?”)

Do not be misled by expressions such as “he said” and “I think” that can follow who when
it is the subject of a verb.

■ My aunt is the person who I think has been most influential in my life. (Who is the
subject of the verb has been, not the object of think.)

By deleting or omitting the interrupting words, you can easily decide whether the pronoun
is the subject or the object.
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Some Problems with Pronouns: Who and Whom 133

Many people use who at the beginning of a question in cases when whom would be the
grammatically correct form, as in the following:

■ Who did he ask for?

■ Who should I send the thank-you note to?

Such usage is a matter of debate, however, and many careful writers and speakers would
object to such a construction. Follow the advice of your instructor in this matter.

EXERCISE 6-5
In the space before each sentence, write the letter that corresponds to the correct pronoun.
a 1. (a. Who b. Whom) do you believe will win the National League
championship?
a 2. It is not possible to predict (a. who b. whom) will benefit from the new
tax laws Congress passed.
a 3. Jerry helped Mitchell and (a. me b. myself) move into our new apartment.
a 4. The president (a. himself b. hisself) greeted the astronauts.
b 5. By the gestures you used, I knew (a. who b. whom) you were imitating.
a 6. The villagers (a. who b. whom) were living in the earthquake areas were
left homeless.
a 7. I will speak to the person (a. who b. whom) answers the telephone.
b 8. We have no one to blame but (a. ourself b. ourselves).
b 9. Sylvia was the only adult (a. who b. whom) the children trusted.
a 10. Sean helped (a. himself b. hisself) to a fresh towel.

Want more practice with pronouns? Visit http://www.mywritinglab.com and click on

“Pronouns,” then “Using the Correct Form of the Pronoun.” There is a helpful ani-
mation about pronoun case, plus some passages in which you can detect and cor-
rect common pronoun errors. You can also revise a paragraph that is rife with
pronoun problems.
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134 Using the Correct Form of the Pronoun

EDITING EXERCISES
The following paragraph describes the preparations involved in planning a trip into the woods.
The subsequent paragraph explains how to avoid an attack by a computer hacker. Both para-
graphs contain a series of errors in pronoun usage. Improve each paragraph by correcting the
errors. Revise the sentences when necessary.
I
Before stepping into the woods for a hike, my brother and me always make
sure we have several important supplies. I am usually more concerned about get-
he
ting lost than him, so I’m in charge of bringing a good map of the trail area.
we
Storms and vandals can uproot trail signs, so us adventurers cannot count on us-
ing them to find our way. Most parks and wilderness areas feature a visitors’ cen-
that or which
ter or kiosk who offers free maps. My brother is better at reading a compass than
I my
myself, so he handles that task. He laughs about me bringing a cellular phone
he It’s
into a rustic setting, but it could help if him and I get lost or injured. Its impor-
tant to dress properly for hiking; we both wear at least a couple of layers of cloth-
who He
ing because I am not someone whom predicts weather changes very well. Him
and I plan for a nutrition break by bringing ample water and snacks. Many sports
equipment stores sell protein bars and small packages of nuts or dried fruit, but
me
between you and I, I think that an apple or orange from home works just as well.
ourselves
Depending on the weather and how we plan to amuse ourselfs, we sometimes
also bring field glasses for bird-watching, as well as bathing suits, towels, and a
that or which
jar for toads whom we may catch for pets. With some easy planning, my brother
I
and myself get to taste adventure without sacrificing safety.
I
My office colleagues and me use the Internet everyday, and we’re always con-
us
cerned about computer viruses. Luckily, a few precautions have kept we hard
you’re
workers safe so far, and your bound to profit from them, too. First, don’t open
you’re they’re
email attachments unless your sure whom their from and you’re expecting them.
it’s
If an attachment ends in “.exe,” its likely a virus, so delete it without opening,
even if your best friend has sent it. Second, get antivirus software and make sure
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Some Problems with Pronouns: Who and Whom 135

it’s his
its updated often; ask a knowledgeable friend for him or her favorite program. If
you’re
you’re using a wireless modem, your especially vulnerable to a hacker, but using
his
a firewall will cut the chance of him or her accessing your system. Once a week
your they’re
or so, check you’re Internet service provider’s Web site for new patches—their
free tools that can prevent new viruses that may be circulating. Finally, be wary
who
of instant messaging—someone whom you think is your online pal may actually
be your computer’s worst foe.

WRITING SENTENCES Using the Correct Form of the Pronoun

Choosing the correct form of the pronoun can be confusing. This exercise lets you demonstrate
that you know how to use the right form of the pronoun when you have to make a choice.

1. Write a sentence in which you use you and I correctly.

2. Write a sentence using you and me correctly.
3. Write a sentence using who correctly.
4. Write a sentence using whom correctly.
5. Write a sentence using you as the subject of a verb.
6. Write a sentence using you as the predicate pronoun.
7. Write a sentence using me in an appositive.
8. Write a sentence using us as the object of a preposition.
9. Write a sentence using whom as a direct object.
10. Write a sentence using them as an indirect object.

LANGUAGE TIPS
1. Remember that the following pronouns can be used only as subjects, not
objects: he, she, who, we, and they.
2. The following pronouns can be used only as objects: me, him, her, whom, us,
and them.
3. The following pronouns can be used as either subjects or objects: you and it.
4. Do not use pronouns ending in -self as subjects: for example, myself, yourself,
himself, and herself.
For more help on choosing the right pronouns, see pages 123–129.
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REVIEW TEST 6-A

Using the Correct Form of the Pronoun

A. Using the appropriate letter, identify the correct pronoun in each sentence.
a 1. Hillary and (a. I b. me) hope that the bad weather will not affect today’s
space shuttle launch.
b 2. The supermodel’s real dress size, between you and (a. I b. me), is 10.
a 3. Raj blamed (a. himself b. hisself) for sleeping through two final exams.
b 4. Would you please let Alfredo and (a. I b. me) know when you are coming
to town?
b 5. Without the right tools, (a. its b. it’s) impossible to pull the door from its
hinges.
a 6. I decided that Kelly and (a. I b. myself) would do some ice-fishing in
Wisconsin this year.
a 7. Jamil is one of those students (a. whose b. who’s) grades make other stu-
dents envious.
a 8. Anne and Alan bought (a. themselves b. theirselves) a new PlayStation,
and we have not seen them since.
b 9. (a. Whose b. Who’s) interested in sharing a ride across the country with
my nine cats and me?
b 10. The salesman offered Jenna and (a. I b. me) a hefty discount, but we were
not interested in buying a tractor.
a 11. What would a dog do if it finally caught (a. its b. it’s) tail?
a 12. Would you care for a few cookies with (a. your b. you’re) coffee?
b 13. Steve will house-sit for Corinne and (a. she b. her) next weekend.
a 14. The children are now old enough to get (a. themselves b. theirselves)
ready for bed.
a 15. Hollywood’s most popular ice cream parlor is one (a. whose b. who’s)
most famous flavor is rosewater.

B. Using the appropriate letter, identify the use of the italicized pronoun in each sentence.
a. subject of a verb b. predicate pronoun c. appositive
b 16. The best middlebacks on the soccer team are Claudia and she.
a 17. Whoever wants a movie ticket should get in the line to my left.

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b 18. Our history teacher was the one voted Outstanding Teacher.
a 19. My own son is now taller than I.
c 20. Three students—Julie, Lena, and you—will star in the spring musical.

C. Using the appropriate letter, identify the use of the italicized pronoun in each sentence.
a. object of a preposition b. direct object c. indirect object
a 21. Henrik says he is too advanced to play tennis with Jim or me.
b 22. The policeman caught Michael, Brandon, and me driving over the speed
limit.
c 23. Our English instructor should give us students a break and not assign
homework tonight.
c 24. Ricardo cannot figure out which of his beautiful classmates sent him the
love note.
a 25. There is no reason to honk so angrily at us!

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REVIEW TEST 6-B

Using the Correct Form of the Pronoun

A. Using the appropriate letter, identify the correct pronoun in each sentence.
b 1. Ethan offered Grace and (a. I b. me) some oranges from his tree.
a 2. When we were kids, Jessie was not as tall as (a. I b. me), but now we are
the same height.
a 3. Emily and (a. I b. myself) have looked forward to seeing the movie.
a 4. When Jamal was not looking, Chris took the largest slice of cake for
(a. himself b. hisself).
b 5. Between you and (a. I b. me), Santos is the most handsome man in our
neighborhood.
a 6. The singer was encouraged by the fans because of (a. their b. them) clap-
ping and shouting.
b 7. Hannah and (a. him b. he) met us for a study session this morning.
a 8. Connor and Erin were rightfully proud of (a. their b. them) winning the
photography contest.
b 9. Mr. Holmberg told Frank and (a. I b. me) to review Chapter Six more
carefully.
a 10. Alvaro and Trish let the cat out of (a. its b. it’s) cage for some exercise.
b 11. Would you please give this book to Olivia and (a. she b. her)?
a 12. Carl does the maintenance on his ‘66 Mustang (a. himself b. hisself).
a 13. Do you and (a. he b. him) have plans tonight?
a 14. If Eddie asks, tell him that it was (a. I b. me), not Max, who broke the
flat-screen television.
a 15. Hollywood’s most popular ice cream parlor is one (a. whose b. who’s)
most famous flavor is rosewater.

B. Using the appropriate letter, identify the use of the italicized pronoun in each sentence.
a. subject of a verb b. predicate pronoun c. appositive
a 16. D’Andre and I covered the patio furniture before the storm began.
b 17. We knew it was she who called because we recognized her giggles.
a 18. If your car is in the shop tomorrow, I will be glad to give you a ride.
a 19. Because Luis took the exam when I was at the library, I do not know how
well he did.
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c 20. My best friends—Brittany, Tran, and you—may ride in my limo to the

awards show.

C. Using the appropriate letter, identify the use of the italicized pronoun in each sentence.
a. object of a preposition b. direct object c. indirect object
c 21. For her birthday, Ashley’s aunt sent her a bookstore gift card.
a 22. From the far side of the woods, Juan whistled a signal to Gil and me.
b 23. The tourists asked him for directions to the Hollywood Bowl.
c 24. James and Ursula emailed us pictures of their new apartment.
a 25. Helen voiced a grumpy “Hello” to Akana and me.

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WRITING PARAGRAPHS
COHERENCE IN THE PARAGRAPH BY USING TRANSITIONAL WORDS AND PHRASES

In the preceding chapters you learned to arrange your ideas in paragraphs in a logical
order. Now you will learn that you can make your paragraphs coherent by linking one sen-
tence to the next by using transitional words and phrases. They signal the direction of
thought as you read through the paragraph. With them, the reader is prepared for each new
idea and can relate each new statement to the last. Without them, a paragraph can sound
like a list of unrelated ideas.
Notice how each sentence in the following paragraph stands isolated from the next,
making it sound wooden and stiff.

■ Speaking and writing are different in many ways. Speech depends on sounds. Writ-
ing uses written symbols. Speech developed about 500,000 years ago. Written lan-
guage is a recent development. It was invented only about six thousand years ago.
Speech is usually informal. The word choice of writing is often relatively formal.
Pronunciation and accent often tell where the speaker is from. Pronunciation and ac-
cent are ignored in writing. A standard diction and spelling system prevails in the
written language of most countries. Speech relies on gesture, loudness, and the rise
and fall of the voice. Writing lacks gesture, loudness, and the rise and fall of the voice.
Careful speakers and writers are aware of the differences.

Notice how much smoother this paragraph becomes when transitional words and phrases
and other linking devices are used. They make the paragraph more coherent and the
thought much easier to follow.

■ Speaking and writing are different in many ways. Speech depends on sounds; writ-
ing, conversely, uses written symbols. Speech was developed about 500,000 years
ago, but written language is a recent development, invented only about six thousand
years ago. Speech is usually informal, while the word choice of writing, by contrast,
is often relatively formal. Although pronunciation and accent often tell where the
speaker is from, they are ignored in writing because a standard diction and spelling
system prevails in the written language of most countries. Speech relies on gesture,
loudness, and the rise and fall of the voice, but writing lacks these features. Careful
speakers and writers are aware of the differences.

Transitional words and phrases show the relationship between sentences. In some ways
they are like traffic signs. They tell the reader what is ahead, warning of a turn, advising
when to slow down, and so on.

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Examine the following sentences for their use of transitions.

■ The shortstop took an extra hour of batting practice. As a result, she hit two home
runs in the game. (As a result shows how the second sentence is the effect or conse-
quence of the first.)
■ Many older people look forward to retirement. However, some want to continue to
work beyond the maximum age limit. (However alerts the reader to a contrasting
idea ahead.)

Here is a list of some of the most common transitional words that connect sentences,
making them more coherent.

Common Transitional Words

also however on the contrary
although in addition on the other hand
and in conclusion second
as a result in fact similarly
besides later still
but likewise that is
consequently meanwhile therefore
finally moreover though
for example nevertheless whereas
furthermore next yet

EXERCISE A Using Transitions

Here are ten sentences. Supply the missing transition that seems most fitting for each. Reword
the sentences as necessary, but try to avoid using the same transition more than once.

1. Ella’s Mini Cooper is just a few years old; its limited edition
makes it a collectible already.
2. We cannot saw through the tree trunk, and, , we will hire a
professional gardener.
3. , after weeks of coughing and bed rest, Dino recovered.
4. Part-time work can harm a student’s study habits; , the extra
money is tempting.
5. Rafael has been jogging daily for a month, and, he has lost eight
pounds.

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6. First, call a babysitter; call the restaurant for reservations.

7. I enjoy a good milkshake, Linda prefers lemonade.
8. Omar volunteers at the homeless shelter often; , I saw him
there today.
9. That new Nintendo game costs more than my budget allows; ,
I already have another game that is very similar.
10. Logan loves his apartment in the city, Leah prefers a beachfront
cottage.

WRITING TIPS Using Traffic Signs in Paragraphs

Transitions give the reader directions, just as a traffic sign gives a driver directions.
Here are some common transitions arranged according to their purpose.

Common Transitions
Purpose Transitions
Addition and, also, too, furthermore, in addition, then
(developing with
ideas and details)
Time before, after, earlier, since, later, now, meanwhile,
(stating when) until
Space here, there, above, below, behind, on this side,
(stating where) on the other side, to the right, to the left
Qualification but, however, though, nevertheless
(stating exceptions
or modifying)
Repetition in other words, in particular, in summary
(restating for
emphasis and clarity)
Exemplification for example, that is (illustration)
Cause and Effect as a result, consequently, therefore
(showing
consequences)
Comparison and Contrast similarly, by comparison, likewise, by contrast,
(showing similarities on the other hand, on the contrary
and differences)
Summary in brief, in conclusion, in summary, finally
(restating chief ideas)

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WRITING TIPS He Said, She Said . . .

Plagiarism is presenting someone’s ideas or words as your own without giving
proper credit. It is stealing, and many colleges and universities discuss it in their
catalogs or student codes. Most of the time, students plagiarize without meaning
to; they simply do not know which material requires an attribution. Here are some
ways to avoid the quicksand of plagiarism.
• Enclose all quoted passages within quotation marks and state their source imme-
diately before or after the passage.
• Even if you paraphrase (restate or summarize) someone else’s ideas, give credit
to the source.
• If a fact or statistic is not generally known, provide your reader with the source
where you found it.

EXERCISE B Fixing Choppy Sentences

The following paragraph is filled with choppy and disconnected sentences. Rewrite the
paragraph, inserting the appropriate transitions and connecting words and phrases. Reword the
paragraph as necessary.

■ Humanity’s first walk on the moon occurred on the evening of July 16, 1969. Ameri-
can astronauts Neil Armstrong, Mike Collins, and Ed Aldrin lifted off in Apollo II.
Thirty-four hours passed in flight. They began a live color broadcast of their activi-
ties. They traveled about 250,000 miles by the third day. They went into an elliptical
orbit around the moon. Their landing craft gradually approached the surface of the
moon. With advice from Houston headquarters, they brought the ship down toward
the surface above a rocky crater. Armstrong changed his mind and decided to aim for
another landing site. They touched down. The astronauts remained in their cabin for
six hours. They opened the hatch and slowly went down the ladder. Armstrong
reached the second rung. He let down a television camera. His foot landed on the sur-
face. He stopped to say his now-famous words: “That’s one small step for man, one
giant leap for mankind.”

EXERCISE C Using Transitions

The following paragraph describes the steps necessary when judging the taste of a wine. Note the
use of transitions (first, next, then, and finally). Read the paragraph carefully and then respond
to (a) or (b) in the accompanying directions.

■ Anyone can learn to judge the taste of a wine by following a series of steps. First,
pour the wine into a glass, noting its color, hue, and clarity. These traits reveal the
age of a wine and the strength of its flavor. The lighter the color, the younger and

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lighter-bodied the wine will be. Next, take a long sniff of the poured wine. Swirl the
glass in slow, even circles, and then sniff it again. The aroma of the wine, called the
nose, may be any combination of smells such as fruity, spicy, floral, or woody. Then
take a small sip along with a bit of air. Whirl the wine around in your mouth. Notice
how the wine changes, becoming more varied as it swirls and strikes your palate.
Finally, note the aftertaste. The more intense and complex the aftertaste, the more
hearty the wine.

a. In a paragraph of at least six sentences, summarize a memorable episode in a book,

movie, or television program. Place transitional words or phrases where needed.
b. In a paragraph of at least six sentences, summarize the steps needed when doing your
least-favorite task or chore. Place transitional words or phrases where needed.

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