Confusing Subject & Object Pronouns: HE or HIM? I or ME? SHE AND I or HER AND I...?

Summary

This video lesson, presented by Rebecca from engVid, highlights one of the most common mistakes made by both English learners and native speakers: the misuse of subject and object pronouns. Rebecca explains the difference between subjects (the doers of actions) and objects (the receivers of actions), providing numerous examples to clarify the concept. She emphasizes the importance of using the correct pronouns, especially in exams and job interviews, and offers practical tips to help viewers avoid common errors. The lesson concludes with practice exercises to reinforce the concepts learned.

Takeaways

• 📚 Understanding the difference between subject and object pronouns is crucial for both English learners and native speakers.
• 👤 The subject pronoun refers to the doer of the action, while the object pronoun receives the action in a sentence.
• 🔄 Pronouns replace nouns in sentences; for example, 'John likes me' can become 'He likes me.'
• 📝 Subject pronouns typically appear at the beginning of a sentence, while object pronouns usually appear towards the middle or end.
• 🤓 The mistake of confusing subject and object pronouns is common, but it's important to avoid it, especially in formal settings like exams or job interviews.
• 👥 When there are multiple subjects, the pronouns still need to come from the subject pronoun list, e.g., 'He and I are good friends,' not 'He and me.'
• 💡 After prepositions like 'to,' 'for,' or 'with,' you should always use object pronouns, e.g., 'Give it to John and me,' not 'John and I.'
• ✅ After the verb 'to be,' object pronouns are used, such as 'It’s me' or 'It’s them,' instead of 'It is I.'
• 🧠 Practicing the correct use of pronouns by writing sentences and analyzing them can help reinforce these rules.
• 📲 The video encourages viewers to visit the website and take a quiz to reinforce the lesson, and also to subscribe for more lessons and shortcuts in learning English.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the lesson?

The main topic of the lesson is subject and object pronouns in English and how to use them correctly.

Why is this lesson considered very important by the speaker?

This lesson is considered important because the mistake of confusing subject and object pronouns is one of the most common errors, not only among English learners but also among native speakers.

What is a subject in a sentence?

A subject in a sentence is the 'doer' of the action, meaning the person or thing that performs the action.

What is an object in a sentence?

An object in a sentence is the receiver of the action, meaning the person or thing that the action is being done to.

What is a pronoun and how is it used?

A pronoun is a word that takes the place of a noun. For example, instead of saying 'John likes me,' you could say 'He likes me,' where 'He' is the pronoun replacing 'John.'

Can you give an example of a correct sentence using a subject pronoun?

Yes, an example is 'I love movies,' where 'I' is the subject pronoun doing the action of loving.

Can you give an example of a correct sentence using an object pronoun?

Yes, an example is 'Please call me,' where 'me' is the object pronoun receiving the action of the call.

What common mistake do people make when using subject and object pronouns together in a sentence?

A common mistake is using an object pronoun where a subject pronoun is needed, such as saying 'Him and I went out for dinner' instead of 'He and I went out for dinner.'

What rule should be followed when using pronouns after prepositions?

After prepositions, you should always use object pronouns. For example, 'Give it to John and me' is correct, not 'Give it to John and I.'

Why does the speaker suggest writing out sentences as a practice method?

The speaker suggests writing out sentences to reinforce the correct use of subject and object pronouns, helping learners internalize the rules and patterns.