Key Difference – Subject vs Object Pronouns
Subject and Object Pronouns are two different types of pronouns between which some differences can be discerned. First, let us look at what a pronoun is. A pronoun is usually used in the place of a noun. There are different types of pronouns such as subject pronouns, possessive pronouns, object pronouns, reflexive pronouns, relative pronouns, demonstrative pronouns, etc. Here, we will be especially focusing on subject and object pronouns. The key difference between a subject and object pronouns is that while a subject pronoun is used to replace the subject of the sentence, object pronouns are used to replace the object of a sentence. Let us have a closer look at the difference.
What are Subject Pronouns?
Subject pronouns can be used to replace the subject of the sentence. The main subject pronouns of the English language are I, we, he, she, it, they and you. It is the subject pronoun that performs the action of the sentence. Let us have a look at some examples.
He completed his work before going home.
I decided to be honest with them.
She prepared a sumptuous meal for her friends.
We travelled on the countryside last summer.
They moved to a new neighborhood just last week.
In each example, the underlined words are the subject pronouns. These pronouns are used to replace a noun. For instance in the sentence ‘Jack completed his work before going home’, Jack is the subject. This can be replaced using the subject pronoun ‘he’.
She prepared a sumptuous meal for her friends.
What are Object Pronouns?
Object pronouns are used to replace the object of a sentence. In the English language the main object pronouns are me, you, us, him, her, it and them. These are used for those who become the object of the action. It is not the doer but the receiver of the action. These examples will elaborate your understanding of object pronouns.
Jane told me that she was unable to make it to the party.
In the example, the object pronoun is ‘me’ because it is I who receives the action. In such a situation, if the subject pronoun was used the sentence fails to make any meaning and becomes grammatically inaccurate. Here are some more examples.
He said that he would travel with us.
You have to tell him the truth.
The audience listened to her.
Why don’t you ask them?
In the examples, the underlined words are the object pronouns.
He said that he would travel with us
What is the difference between Subject and Object Pronouns?
Definitions of Subject and Object Pronouns:
Subject Pronouns: A subject pronoun is used to replace the subject of the sentence.
Object Pronouns: An object pronoun is used to replace the object of a sentence.
Characteristics of Subject and Object Pronouns:
Function:
Subject Pronouns: Subject pronouns are used to replace the subject.
Object Pronouns: Object pronouns are used to replace the object.
The Subject and Object Pronouns:
Subject Pronouns: Subject pronouns are I, we, he, she, it, they and you.
Object Pronouns: Object pronouns are me, you, us, him, her, it and them.
Replacement:
Subject Pronouns: They replace the subject.
Object Pronouns: They replace the object.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Housewife in the kitchen” by Villalobos, Horacio, Photographer (NARA record: 8464479) – U.S. National Archives and Records Administration. [Public Domain] via Commons
2. People Travelling By Vladimir Yaitskiy (Flickr: People travelling) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons