PRONOUNS

1. He, she vs. it The personal pronoun it can be used only when referring to an animal, an object or a place. It is not correct: The dog ran after his tail. The correct form is: The dog ran after its tail. We can not put the personal pronoun he or she when we are referring to an animal, a place or a thing. Observation This mistake is also often seen during the use of the reflexive pronouns. e.g.: The wolf always stays with his pack to protect himself. The correct form: The wolf stays with its pack to protect itself. 2. His vs. her When referring to the noun: husband / wife, people tend to use the possessive pronoun according to the gender of the noun that follows. e.g.: His husband works day and night to provide food for his family. The correct form is: Her husband works day and night to provide food for his family. . 3. elf vs -elves The reflexive pronouns end with elf only when singular, and elves only when plural. e.g.: We hurt ourselfs during the fight. The correct form is: We hurt ourselves during the fight. Observation You cannot put a reflexive pronoun without the corresponding personal pronoun in a sentence. 4. Who vs. whom Who, whom are relative pronouns, and are used as the subjects or objects of a verb to show which person they are referring to, or to add information about a person just mentioned. These pronouns are used for people, not things.

e.g.: The traveler who was thirsty, finally reached his destination. The correct form: The dentist whom I showed my teeth to, told me that I was healthy. e.g.: George Bush, who voters elected as President had a zero tolerance policy against terrorism. The correct form is: George Bush, whom voters elected as President had a zero tolerance policy against terrorism. Observation Another common mistake that people make is to put a personal pronoun after the verb when the subject noun is already present. For example: George Bush, whom voters elected him as President had a zero tolerance policy against terrorism. The correct form is without the personal pronoun him. Observation A relative pronoun cannot replace a noun when it is placed on the opposite side of a verb. e.g.: Most supporters of Liverpool football club believe that players whom do not perform well should be sold. who cannot replace the noun supporters because the noun is placed on the wrong side of the verb believe. Who can only replace the noun players as it is placed on the right side of the verb believe.