What are Subject Pronouns? Definition, List & Easy Examples
Subject pronouns play a vital role in English grammar. They help us talk about people, animals, or things without repeating nouns. Knowing how to use subject pronouns correctly helps in school exams, English writing, speaking, and even competitive tests. Let’s learn their rules, usage, and simple examples.
| Person | Subject Pronoun | Singular/Plural | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Person | I | Singular | I love reading books. |
| Second Person | You | Singular/Plural | You are my friend. |
| Third Person | He | Singular (Male) | He plays football. |
| Third Person | She | Singular (Female) | She sings well. |
| Third Person | It | Singular (Thing/Animal) | It is raining. |
| First Person | We | Plural | We should study English. |
| Third Person | They | Plural | They are playing outside. |
What Are Subject Pronouns?
Subject pronouns are words like I, you, he, she, it, we, and they. They take the place of the subject noun in a sentence. For example, instead of saying “Riya is a student. Riya studies hard,” we say “She studies hard.” This makes English less repetitive and easier to read or hear.
Rules for Using Subject Pronouns
- Use subject pronouns as the subject of a verb (before the action).
- The pronoun must agree with the verb in number and person (for example, “He runs,” “They run”).
- Don’t use subject pronouns after prepositions or as objects (use object pronouns there).
- “It” is used for animals, things, or unknown gender, and for weather, time, and temperature.
- In questions and negative sentences, subject pronouns still come before the main verb.
Difference Between Subject Pronouns and Object Pronouns
Subject pronouns perform an action in a sentence ("She eats"). Object pronouns receive the action ("I see her"). For example:
- Subject: He loves music.
- Object: Music loves him. (“him” receives the action)
See our page on Object Pronouns for more details.
Subject Pronouns Examples in Sentences
| Pronoun | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| I | I want to learn English. |
| You | You have finished your homework. |
| He | He is watching TV. |
| She | She goes to school every day. |
| It | It works perfectly. (referring to a machine) |
| We | We enjoy reading together. |
| They | They live in Mumbai. |
Subject Pronouns for Kids & ESL Learners
- Use “he” for boys and men.
- Use “she” for girls and women.
- Use “it” for animals, objects, or things (not people).
- “I” is for yourself.
- “We” is for a group including yourself.
- “They” is for a group not including yourself.
- “You” is for talking directly to someone or a group.
Learning these simple words helps you speak and write better. At Vedantu, we offer more fun grammar help for kids and beginners.
Common Mistakes with Subject Pronouns
- Using object pronouns instead of subject pronouns (Wrong: Me did it. Right: I did it.)
- Using “it” for people (We do not say: It is my brother. We say: He is my brother.)
- Repeating the subject noun instead of using a pronoun (Riya goes to school. She studies hard.)
Quick Practice: Fill-in-the-Blank Exercise
- ___ am going to the market. (I)
- ___ is your teacher? (Who/She/He)
- ___ are my best friends. (They)
- ___ is sunny today. (It)
- ___ play cricket every morning. (We)
Want more practice? Try our Pronouns Quiz and Pronoun Exercises at Vedantu.
More About Personal & Subject Pronouns
Subject pronouns are a type of personal pronoun. For more details, read Personal Pronouns and our Introduction to Pronouns lesson.
Summary of Subject Pronouns in English Grammar
Subject pronouns (I, you, he, she, it, we, they) replace nouns as the subject of a sentence. Using them correctly improves writing, speaking, and understanding English. Mastering subject pronouns is key for exams, conversations, and professional communication. For deeper grammar learning, explore more resources with Vedantu.
FAQs on Subject Pronouns: Meaning, Examples & Usage in English
1. What are subject pronouns in English?
Subject pronouns are words that replace nouns as the subject of a sentence, indicating who performs the action. They include: I, you, he, she, it, we, and they. Understanding subject pronouns is crucial for correct grammar and sentence structure.
2. What are some examples of subject pronouns?
Subject pronouns are words that replace nouns as the subject of a sentence, indicating who performs the action. Examples include:
- I went to the store.
- You are a good student.
- He plays the guitar.
- She sings beautifully.
- It is raining.
- We went on a trip.
- They are studying English.
3. What is the difference between subject pronouns and object pronouns?
Subject pronouns (I, you, he, she, it, we, they) perform the action in a sentence. Object pronouns (me, you, him, her, it, us, them) receive the action. For example: "He (subject) gave the book to her (object)." Understanding this difference is key to avoiding common grammar mistakes.
4. How many subject pronouns are there in English?
There are seven main subject pronouns in English: I, you, he, she, it, we, and they. These are used to replace nouns and clarify the subject of the sentence, a key element of proper English grammar.
5. How do I use subject pronouns in a sentence?
Use subject pronouns to replace nouns performing the action. For example, instead of "John went to the park," you can write "He went to the park." Always ensure your subject pronoun agrees with the verb in number (singular or plural). Correct usage improves sentence clarity and reflects strong grammar skills.
6. What is a subject pronoun and example?
A subject pronoun is a word that takes the place of a noun as the subject of a verb. For example, in the sentence "She is a doctor," 'she' is the subject pronoun. Other examples include: I, you, he, it, we, they. Knowing subject pronouns is fundamental to mastering English grammar.
7. What are the 7 subject pronouns?
The seven main subject pronouns in English are: I, you, he, she, it, we, and they. These replace nouns acting as the subject of a sentence, crucial for correct grammar and clear communication.
8. What are the 12 subject pronouns?
While there are only seven main subject pronouns (I, you, he, she, it, we, they), some consider possessive pronouns (mine, yours, his, hers, its, ours, theirs) as part of a broader category. However, the core seven are used most often for sentence structure, critical for successful English grammar.
9. What are 10 examples of subjective pronouns?
Here are 10 examples using the seven main subject pronouns: 1) I went to the mall. 2) You should study. 3) He is tall. 4) She is kind. 5) It is a pen. 6) We are friends. 7) They are happy. 8) I love pizza. 9) You will pass the exam. 10) He finished the assignment. Correct use demonstrates a strong grasp of English grammar.
10. How do you use subject pronouns?
Subject pronouns replace nouns that perform the action of a verb. They are placed at the beginning of a sentence or clause. Correct use avoids ambiguity and shows solid English grammar skills. For example: "She baked a cake" (she is the subject performing the action).
