ALL PERSONAL PRONOUNS | I, me, my, mine, myself ...

Summary

In this educational video, Arnel teaches various English pronouns, focusing on subject, object, possessive adjectives, and possessive pronouns. He explains the correct usage through examples and mini-tests, highlighting common mistakes like mixing up 'I' and 'me'. Arnel also covers exceptions like using 'they' and 'them' for singular, gender-neutral individuals. The lesson is interactive, encouraging viewers to participate in tests and discuss their results, making it an engaging way to master pronoun usage.

Takeaways

• 😀 The lesson focuses on personal pronouns, including subject, object, possessive adjectives, possessive pronouns, and reflexive pronouns.
• 🔍 Subject pronouns perform the action in a sentence, such as 'I', 'you', 'he', 'she', 'it', 'we', and 'they'.
• 📚 'You' can be both singular and plural, and 'they' can refer to people or things.
• 🎨 Object pronouns receive the action, like 'me', 'you', 'him', 'her', 'it', 'us', and 'them', and are often the same as subject pronouns.
• ❌ Common mistakes include using object pronouns where subject pronouns are required, e.g., 'Me and her' should be 'She and I'.
• 👤 Exceptions allow 'they' and 'them' to be used for a single person when the gender is unknown or irrelevant.
• 📝 Possessive adjectives must be followed by a noun, e.g., 'my', 'your', 'his', 'her', 'its', 'our', and 'their'.
• 🚫 'It's' with an apostrophe is a contraction of 'it is' or 'it has', not a possessive form; 'its' is the correct possessive adjective without an apostrophe.
• 🔑 Possessive pronouns replace a noun that the speaker owns, such as 'mine', 'yours', 'his', 'hers', 'ours', and 'theirs'.
• 🔄 Reflexive pronouns are used when the subject and object of a sentence refer to the same person, like 'myself', 'yourself', 'himself', 'herself', 'itself', 'ourselves', and 'themselves'.
• 📖 The lesson includes three mini-tests to help learners practice and reinforce their understanding of pronouns.

Q & A

What are subject pronouns and how do they function in a sentence?

Subject pronouns are pronouns that perform the action in a sentence. They include 'I', 'you', 'he', 'she', 'it', 'we', and 'they'. For example, in the sentence 'I sat on a bench', 'I' is the subject pronoun doing the action of sitting.

Can 'you' be used for both singular and plural?

Yes, 'you' can be used for both singular and plural forms. It can refer to one person or more than one person.

What is the correct pronoun to use when referring to animals?

For animals, 'he' or 'she' can be used, but if the gender is unknown or unspecified, 'it' is an appropriate choice.

What is the difference between subject and object pronouns?

Subject pronouns perform the action in a sentence, while object pronouns receive the action. For example, 'I' (subject) in 'I sat on a bench' versus 'me' (object) in 'Mo sketched me'.

Why is it incorrect to say 'Me and her live on the same street'?

It is incorrect because 'me' and 'her' are object pronouns, and the sentence requires subject pronouns. The correct phrase is 'She and I live on the same street'.

What are possessive adjectives and how are they used?

Possessive adjectives are used to show ownership or relation and must be followed by a noun. Examples include 'my', 'your', 'his', 'her', 'its', 'our', and 'their'. For instance, 'my signature' uses 'my' as a possessive adjective.

What is the difference between 'it's' with and without an apostrophe?

'It's' with an apostrophe is a contraction for 'it is' or 'it has', while 'its' without an apostrophe is a possessive adjective, as in 'Its letters are really clear'.

How do you use possessive pronouns correctly?

Possessive pronouns replace the need for a possessive adjective plus a noun. They include 'mine', 'yours', 'his', 'hers', 'ours', and 'theirs'. For example, instead of saying 'the logo design is mine', you can say 'mine'.

What is the purpose of reflexive pronouns and how are they used?

Reflexive pronouns are used when the subject and object of a sentence refer to the same person or thing. They include 'myself', 'yourself', 'himself', 'herself', 'itself', 'ourselves', and 'themselves'. For example, 'I accidentally gave myself a black eye' uses 'myself' as a reflexive pronoun.

What is the significance of the structure 'a friend of mine' versus 'my friend'?

The structure 'a friend of mine' often implies that there are more friends, whereas 'my friend' could suggest a closer or more specific relationship with one friend. It's a subtle difference in emphasis.

Why is it incorrect to say 'Pete is a husband of mine' if you only have one husband?

Saying 'Pete is a husband of mine' could imply that you have more than one husband, which is incorrect if you only have one. The correct way to express this is 'Pete is my husband'.

Outlines

00:00

😀 Understanding Subject Pronouns

The first paragraph introduces subject pronouns, which are used as the subject of a sentence and perform the action. Examples include 'I', 'you', 'he', 'she', 'it', 'we', and 'they'. The paragraph explains that 'you' can be both singular and plural, and that 'it' is often used for unknown gender or for animals. The instructor, Arnel, also clarifies that 'they' can be used for non-human entities and provides examples to illustrate the use of subject pronouns in sentences. A mini-test with three questions is mentioned to help review the learned material.

05:03

📝 Clarifying Object Pronouns and Common Mistakes

The second paragraph delves into object pronouns, which receive the action in a sentence. It explains that object pronouns like 'me', 'you', 'him', 'her', 'it', 'us', and 'them' correspond to the subject pronouns but are used when the pronoun is the object of a verb or preposition. The paragraph also addresses common mistakes, such as using object pronouns where subject pronouns are required, and provides examples of these errors. A mini-test with seven questions is introduced to test the understanding of subject and object pronouns.

10:07

🔍 Exploring Possessive Adjectives and Pronouns

The third paragraph discusses possessive adjectives, which must be followed by a noun to indicate possession, such as 'my', 'your', 'his', 'her', 'its', 'our', and 'their'. It differentiates between possessive adjectives and possessive pronouns, noting that the latter does not require a following noun. The paragraph highlights the incorrect use of 'it's' as a possessive pronoun and provides examples of correct usage. It also touches on the use of possessive pronouns at the beginning of a sentence and the distinction between 'a friend of mine' and 'my friend'. A mini-test with possessive pronouns is presented to reinforce learning.

15:11

🏋️‍♂️ Reflexive Pronouns and Their Usage

The fourth and final paragraph focuses on reflexive pronouns, which are used when the subject and object of a sentence are the same person or thing. Examples include 'myself', 'yourself', 'himself', 'herself', 'itself', 'ourselves', and 'themselves'. The paragraph provides scenarios where reflexive pronouns are necessary and contrasts them with sentences where the subject and object are different. It also mentions a dedicated lesson on reflexive pronouns for further information. A final mini-test with reflexive pronouns is included, and the instructor invites feedback on the tests through comments.

Keywords

💡Pronouns

Pronouns are words that take the place of nouns in sentences, making speech and writing more efficient and less repetitive. In the video, pronouns are the central theme, with the instructor explaining different types of pronouns and their usage. For example, 'I', 'you', 'he', 'she', 'it', 'we', and 'they' are all subject pronouns that perform the action in a sentence.

💡Subject Pronouns

Subject pronouns are used to indicate the doer of an action in a sentence. They are the focus of the video's first column. The instructor clarifies that these pronouns can be singular or plural and can refer to people or objects. Examples from the script include 'I sat on a bench' and 'They sat on a bench', where 'I' and 'they' are the subjects performing the action of sitting.

💡Object Pronouns

Object pronouns are used to receive the action of a verb or the object of a preposition. The video's second column delves into these pronouns, emphasizing that they can be the same as subject pronouns but are used when the pronoun is the receiver of the action. The script illustrates this with 'Mo sketched me' versus 'Mo sketched I', where 'me' is the correct object pronoun.

💡Possessive Adjectives

Possessive adjectives are used to show ownership or a relationship between a noun and another noun. They must be followed by a noun. The video explains that these adjectives include 'my', 'your', 'his', 'her', 'its', 'our', and 'their'. An example from the script is 'Box A has my signature', where 'my' is the possessive adjective modifying 'signature'.

💡Possessive Pronouns

Possessive pronouns indicate ownership without the need for a following noun. They replace the noun and the possessive adjective. The video's fourth column explains that these include 'mine', 'yours', 'his', 'hers', 'ours', and 'theirs'. The script uses 'Box A has mine' to illustrate this, where 'mine' stands in for 'my signature'.

💡Reflexive Pronouns

Reflexive pronouns are used when the subject and object of a sentence refer to the same entity, often for actions done to oneself. The video's final column covers reflexive pronouns like 'myself', 'yourself', 'himself', 'herself', 'itself', 'ourselves', and 'themselves'. An example given is 'He told himself to relax', where 'himself' is the reflexive pronoun.

💡Mini Tests

Throughout the video, the instructor includes mini tests to help viewers practice and review the concepts of pronouns. These tests reinforce the learning by providing interactive exercises. The script mentions three mini tests, each designed to challenge the viewer's understanding of the pronouns discussed.

💡Exceptions

The video acknowledges that there are exceptions to the general rules of pronouns. For instance, 'they' and 'them' can be used for a single person when the gender is unknown or irrelevant. 'It' can be used informally to introduce oneself. These exceptions are important for understanding the flexibility of language and are highlighted in the video to avoid confusion.

💡Confusion

The script points out common mistakes made even by native speakers, such as using 'me' instead of 'I' in certain contexts. This highlights the areas where learners might be confused and need clarification. The instructor addresses these points to help viewers avoid such errors, emphasizing the importance of correct pronoun usage.

💡Context

Context is crucial for understanding the correct use of pronouns. The video provides examples and explanations that help viewers understand when to use each type of pronoun. For example, the difference between 'Jamie is a friend of mine' and 'Jamie is my friend' is clarified by the context of having multiple friends or just one.

💡Clarity

Clarity in communication is a key takeaway from the video. The instructor emphasizes the need for clear pronoun usage to avoid ambiguity, especially when using possessive pronouns. The script gives examples where the context must be clear, such as 'Where is mine?' requiring a specific reference like 'Where is my chair?'

Highlights

Introduction to subject pronouns and their role as the doer of the action in a sentence.

Explanation of how 'you' can be both singular and plural in English.

Use of 'he' or 'she' for animals and 'it' as a gender-neutral pronoun.

Clarification on using 'they' and 'them' for plural nouns and inanimate objects.

Pronouns simplify language by reducing the need to repeat nouns.

Guidance on using object pronouns correctly after verbs.

Common mistake correction: using 'I' instead of 'me' in compound subjects.

Editor tool demonstration for identifying pronoun errors in sentences.

Exception to the rule: using 'they' and 'them' for singular, unknown gender individuals.

Introduction of possessive adjectives and their use with nouns.

Explanation of the difference between 'it's' with and without an apostrophe.

Use of possessive pronouns as a shorthand for possessive adjectives plus nouns.

Clarification on the non-existence of a possessive pronoun for 'it'.

Demonstration of how to use possessive pronouns in context to avoid ambiguity.

Discussion on the difference between 'a friend of mine' and 'my friend'.

Introduction to reflexive pronouns and their use when the subject and object are the same.

Examples of reflexive pronouns in sentences and their importance.

Invitation for viewers to participate in mini-tests to practice pronoun usage.

Conclusion and call to action for feedback on the lessons and tests.

Transcripts

I, me, my, mine, myself.

You, you, your, yours, yourself, and there's  more! In today's lesson we are going to look  

at all of these pronouns. We are going to look  at each column one at a time. And in today's  

lesson, I have three mini tests for you. Yes, three.  To help you review everything you've learned.  

My name's Arnel, let's start with  the first column, subject pronouns.

Subject pronouns. These are  subject pronouns because  

they are your subject. Your subject  does the action. Subject sat on a bench.  

I sat on a bench. You sat on a bench. In English, you  can be singular or plural. So I can say you, or, you.

He sat on a bench. She sat on  a bench. It, it sat on a bench.  

And for animals, we can use he or she,  but if we don't know, it is perfect. 

We sat on a bench. They sat on a  bench. And, they is not just for people.  

The tickets were expensive. They,  they were expensive. That's also okay.

Pronouns make life easy. Mark and Becca  sat on a bench? They, they sat on a bench.  

We can make things simpler. A bench, a bench, a  bench. Do I constantly need to repeat myself?  

They sat on it, we can also use object pronouns.

Let's look at column two, object pronouns.  

So, we know your subject does the action,  and your object receives the action.  

Mo sketched... object. If you sketch something, you  make a simple drawing using a pen or pencil.  

Mo sketched me. Mo sketched I? We need  an object. Mo sketched you, singular  

or plural. And, you is the same, subject pronoun, object  pronoun, the same. Mo sketched him. Mo sketched  

her. Mo sketched it. Again, subject pronoun,  object pronoun, the same. Mo sketched us.

Mo sketched them. Again, them is not just for people,  them could be a pair of shoes. Mo sketched them.

Common mistake! My mom and  me went shopping together.  

My mom and me? No, it should be my mom and I.  Subjects right? My mom and i went shopping together.  

You can see the editor  immediately suggests a change.  

Me and her live on the same street. Me  and her? Those are object pronouns, we need  

subjects. She and I. You can see the  editor immediately suggests a change.

And if you have more than one subject, I goes at  the end. She and I. I and she? It doesn't sound so  

natural. I Gary and Amber? Gary, Amber and I.  The problem with this mistake is that many  

many many native speakers make this mistake. Me  and Gina are having lunch together next week.

Gina and I. So you will hear this mistake a lot,  in movies, on podcasts. So, for an English exam,  

you want to use I, that's your subject.  But in a conversation, day to day,  

it's your choice. Are you ready for  test number one? Choose the correct  

subject pronoun or object pronoun for  each box. Pause the video to do this.

Okay, here are the answers. Let me know  in the comments below how did you do?  

And number seven might be a little bit confusing.  

We need, you, because the teacher is  talking to all of her students. You...

Before we move on to column number three,  let's look at a couple of exceptions.  

We know, they is your subject, them is your object.  Plural right? They visited me or I visited them.  

Is it possible to use they  and them for one person? Yes.  

If we don't know if a person is a man or a  woman, or, we don't care, they and them are fine.

Somebody called you. What do they want?  

They, one person. I don't know, I told them  to send you an email. I told them, one person.

Exception number two. It is your subject, it is  your object. Is it possible to use it for people? No,  

but we can use it to informally introduce  someone. On the phone, hello? Hey, it's me. It is me.

Who's at the door? Oh, it's the pizza  delivery guy. It is the pizza delivery guy.

Or, we often see this when we introduce a new  baby. It's a boy, or, congratulations it's a girl.  

So normally we would never use it for  people, but sometimes it's possible.  

Column number three. Possessive adjectives.  Possessive adjective plus noun. We need a  

noun, just like with a normal adjective. It was  a hot day. Adjective, noun. Possessive adjective  

plus noun. Everybody has a different signature.  Box A has my signature. Box B has your signature.  

Box C has his signature. Box D has her signature.  I like her signature, it's letters are really  

clear. It's, noun. It's letters. It's  important you don't confuse it's with  

it's, apostrophe. Same pronunciation. Its  letters are really clear, possessive pronoun.  

It's easy to read, it is easy to read. So when  you're speaking it doesn't matter. But when you're  

writing remember, there's a big difference between  it's no apostrophe and it's with apostrophe.  

I know this is confusing because  normally when we show possession,  

we have apostrophe, s, right? Arnel's signature with  the apostrophe, Jim's phone with the apostrophe.  

But we don't need an apostrophe with the  possessive adjective, it's no apostrophe.

Box E has our signatures. Notice the plural.  Box F has their signatures. Notice the plural.

And remember at the start of this lesson I  said: Pronouns make life easy. Pronouns make  

life easy. Do I need to repeat  myself? My signature, your signature.  

Box A has mine, Box B has  yours. We can use possessive

pronouns. Column four, Possessive pronouns. We  know you need a possessive adjective plus  

noun. If you put those together,  you can form a possessive pronoun.  

Teresa liked my logo design. Teresa  liked mine. Your idea was the best.  

Yours was the best. We can also start a  sentence with a possessive pronoun, no problem.  

We need his password, we need his. Possessive  adjective, possessive pronoun, the same, his.

That bag is her bag, that bag is hers.

Don't touch its thorns, don't touch...

With it's, there is no possessive  pronoun. We cannot say don't touch, its.

You might see it's, the possessive  pronoun, on a grammar chart.  

But, you won't see an example  sentence, because you can't...

do that!

It doesn't work. No it's as a possessive pronoun.

Order number 32! Order 32? That's our order. That's  

ours. You can't use their team  name, you can't use theirs.

Okay, when you use a possessive pronoun it  needs to be clear what you're talking about.  

You can't walk into your  office and say, where is mine?

Uh, where is your what? Oh, my chair. Where is my chair?

So it needs to be clear what you're talking about.  

In this mini clip you will see a boss giving  his employees their checks, their money.  

Here's your check, and here's yours SpongeBob. Okay,  first we need to make it clear, here is your check,  

and here is yours. First possessive adjective,  and then possessive pronoun. It needs to be  

clear. Let's look at possessive  pronouns and a bit more detail.  

Jamie is a friend of mine,  Clarissa is a classmate of his.

Noun of possessive pronoun. This is a  really common structure. We can also  

use it at that front position. A friend of  mine is staying with me over the holidays.

So what's the difference between Jamie is  a friend of mine, and Jamie is my friend?  

Clarissa is a classmate of his or, Clarissa  is his classmate, what's the difference?

Many times these two structures can mean the same  thing. But using the of structure is usually more  

general, and it gives us the feeling there is  more than one. For example, I have many friends  

but Jamie is a friend of mine. He has many  classmates, but Clarissa is a classmate.  

You can really um feel this difference in my  next example, tell me which sentence is correct.  

Pete is my husband, or, Pete is a husband of mine.  

The first one is correct, right? Because I have  one husband. If I said Pete is a husband of mine,  

that immediately gives someone the feeling I  have more than one husband. One is enough! Test  

number two. Replace each box with a  possessive pronoun. Pause the video to do this.

Okay, let me know in the comments how did you do?  

Let's move on to column  number five, reflexive pronouns.

Last list of pronouns, I have two sentences. Bruce  told Carla to relax. Troy and Michelle bought their  

kids new bikes. Let's use pronouns we already know.  He told her to relax. They bought them new bikes.  

In these sentences it's clear the subject  and the object are different people.

What happens if the subject and the  object are the same? He told him to relax?  

He told himself to relax. Just relax. They bought  themselves new bikes, you need reflexive pronouns.

I accidentally gave myself a black  eye when I was playing tennis.  

You should cook for yourself  more often, it's healthier.

She bought herself a birthday present.

This toilet, it closes

itself. You made yourselves look bad  when you're late for the meeting.

We trapped ourselves in the basement because we  forgot the key. If you want more information on  

reflexive pronouns, I did make a whole lesson on  this topic. I'll leave the link down below for you.  

Right, test number three, choose the right answer.

Ok, here are the answers. How did you do? Let me  know in the comments how you did on the tests!  

Thank you so much for watching, I can't wait to  make another video for you! See you next time, bye!