Pronouns - Kinds and Antecedents
Kinds of Pronoun :
There are different kinds of pronouns, and each type serves a different purposes in a sentence.
Personal pronouns are used in place of nouns and noun phrases. They refer to persons, places, animals or things already mentioned.
For example:
Simi too is a gymnast. She is training under a renowned gymnast.
Some birdwatchers spotted a strange big bird. They saw it sitting atop the banyan.
A. Fill in the blanks with suitable subject or object pronouns.
1. My friends are not coming as they have exams.
2. Kanika, Bunny and I are dancers, and we will soon be performing on stage.
3. I helped them with their project, but they had no courtesy to thank me.
4. When we reached the gates, the security asked us to show them our passes.
5. Will they be moving in with their luggage?
6. She does not resemble her mother, but she does.
7. Teachers love to read the work of students like us.
8. We were impressed by Nakul's voice and showed our appreciation by cheering him.
9. It will soon be sold out if you do not order it now.
10. They are my classmates, and I am helping them build the model.
Demonstrate pronouns are used to refer to a noun that has already been mentioned. This, that, these and those are demonstrative pronouns.
For example:
This is a more interesting movie than that.
I wanted those but my mother insisted I buy these.
B. Identify the underline words as demonstrative pronouns(DP) or demonstrative adjectives(
DA).
1. We can return these and buy the blue ones.
= DP
2. Do not be upset by these remarks.
= DA
3. This is for you; that is for Ankur.
= DP, DP
4. I can buy these but I can afford those.
= DP, DP
5. This exhibitation keeps coming up in our country.
= DA
6. These are that pigeon's eggs.
= DP, DA
Possessive pronouns are used to tell who owns something. Mine, ours, yours, his, hers, its, theirs and one's (used with own) are the possessive pronouns.
For example:
The examiner appreciated yours, but she did not comment on mine.
Please do not touch the bags which are theirs.
C. Identify the underlined words as possessive pronouns(PP) or possessive adjectives(PA).
1. He is never willing to share his, tough he is always sharing ours.
= PP, PP
2. They have renovated their house and are now moving into it.
= PA
3. One should never be boastful of one's belongings.
=PA
4. This is hers; you had kept yours under the table.
=PP, PP
5. Your new dress is similar to mine.
=PA, PP
6. Our house is painted yellow, but theirs is white.
=PA, PP
Distributive pronouns are used to refer to individual nouns. Either, neither and each are distributive pronouns and they take a singular noun.
For example:
You may use either; both belong to me.
There were two who came for the interview; neither qualified.
All participants are equally talented; give each a recommendation.
D. Fill in the blanks with a suitable pronoun from the brackets.
1. I have two bags; I can share either(either/each) with you.
2. Naman tried two trousers, but neither(each/neither) fitted him well.
3. Tina has a box full of pencils, but they are not hers(mine/hers).
4. The school conducted a survey and these(that/those) are its findings.
5. Sonam and Varun came by the Metro as they find this(these/this) mode of travel the quickest.
6. Both the buses that arrived were full; I could board neither(either/neither).
7. We tried both the numbers; his got connected, while yours(yours/either) was switched off.
8. Do not show them the paintings as these(this/these) are not for sale.
9. Gayatri and Falguni have a beautiful mansion. I like theirs(theirs/hers) more than Tina's.
10. Many singers participated, and each(each/either) was better than the other.
Indefinite pronouns are used to refer to persons or things in general. Somebody, someone, something, somewhere, anybody, anyone, anything, anywhere, nobody, no one, nothing, nowhere, everybody, everyone, everything, everywhere, one, many, few and all are all indefinite pronouns.
For example:
Anyone can volunteer to teach those children.
There must be somewhere there is no noise pollution.
E. Fill in the blanks with suitable indefinite pronouns from the brackets.
1. Is there somewhere (somewhere/nowhere) where it will be safe?
2. Many (Many/Someone) have already sent in their donation cheques.
3. One (One/Few) who is always in a hurry messes up things.
4. Can anyone (nobody/anyone) walk in through this narrow passage?
5. He had asked all to be present, but one one (someone/no one) turned up.
6. He had nothing (nothing/something) much to say to prove his innocence.
F. Identify the underlined pronouns as reflexive (R) or emphasising (E).
1. The carpenter hurt himself with his saw.
= R
2. I looked into the mirror and was pleased with myself.
=R
3. He himself is responsible for losing all his friends.
=E
4. She lifted herself up and continued to run.
= R
5. You have harmed yourself by lying.
= R
6. I myself saw him crash the car into the gate.
= E
7. They themselves went to the teacher and admitted the crime.
= E
8. They better take care of themselves when they are travelling.
H. Circle the antecedents of the underlined pronouns.
1. The team was at its best.
= (The team) was at its best.
2. I liked the clown who was wearing a blue cap.
= I liked the (clown) who was wearing a blue cap.
3. Jenny was upset as she had lost her driving licence.
= (Jenny) was upset as she had lost her driving licence.
4. The journalists said they were not allowed inside.
= (The journalists) said they were not allowed inside.
5. The students are working, so do not disturb them.
= (The students) are working, so do not disturb them.
6. We have a pet who is called Pluto.
= We have a (pet) who is called Pluto.
7. I have many books which are gifted to me.
= I have many (books) which are gifted to me.
8. You have called the plumber, so attend to him now.
= You have called the (plumber), so attend to him now.
I. Fill in the blanks with suitable pronouns.
1. My teacher is tired of what he scribble.
2. I am busy, so do not bother me and do the work yourself.
3. My brother always wants to share what is mine, but never shares what is his.
4. We ourselves are to be blamed for our lazy lifestyle.
5. Which house are you looking for?
6. It was my mistake, and I have apologised to them.
7. They plan to paint the wall themselves as labour is expensive.
8. Tell us the plot of the movie which you watched last night.
9. The children love their trampoline as jumping is a favourite activity of them.
10. The examiner disturbed a question paper to his child in the class.
J. Complete this interview with suitable interrogative or relative pronouns.
Mr. Pant: What should one do if there is an earthquake and one is driving?
Ms. Nalini: Pull aside yourself you will not block the road if you are driving. Avoid being near bridges and tower blocks which might collapse. Switch on the lights which indicate distress.
Mr. Pant: And, what do you suggest to those who are indoors?
Ms. Nalini: Immediately take cover under a place where your head would be safe. Crouch under furniture which is heavy, such as a table or a bed. Stay away from shelves which have heavy objects kept on them. Keep away from windows where glass can shatter and harm you.
Mr. Pant: These are indeed tips which our listeners will find helpful. Thank you so much.