Object pronouns replace nouns that receive a verb’s action or follow a preposition. The seven core English object pronouns are me, you, him, her, it, us, and them. In “Maria called Daniel,” Daniel becomes him in “Maria called him,” while Maria remains the subject because she performs the action.
Key Facts at a Glance
- English has seven core object pronouns: me, you, him, her, it, us, and them.
- An object pronoun can be a direct object, an indirect object, or the object of a preposition.
- The correct form after a preposition is an object pronoun, as in between you and me.
- Object pronouns usually follow a verb or preposition, but grammatical function matters more than position.
- Singular they has the object form them, as in “I emailed them.”
- Reflexive forms such as myself and themselves do not replace ordinary object pronouns in standard sentences.
What Are Object Pronouns?
An object pronoun is a personal pronoun used instead of a noun phrase that functions as an object. Objects usually receive an action, identify the person affected by an action, or complete a prepositional phrase.
In “The manager approved the request,” the request is the direct object of approved. Replacing the noun phrase produces “The manager approved it.” Object pronouns reduce repetition, but they do not merely mean “a shorter noun.” Their form signals the grammatical role of the person, animal, or thing named.
Traditional grammar distinguishes subject case and object case. The Oxford English Dictionary describes a pronoun as “a word that can function by itself as a noun phrase,” which explains why her can replace “the woman” and them can replace “the applicants” in suitable contexts.
Which Words Are Object Pronouns?
The core forms are me, you, him, her, it, us, and them. English does not mark every category equally: you has one form for subject and object, while it also remains unchanged between those roles.
| Person and number | Subject form | Object form | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| First person singular | I | me | “They invited me.” |
| Second person singular or plural | you | you | “I heard you.” |
| Third person singular masculine | he | him | “We helped him.” |
| Third person singular feminine | she | her | “She thanked her.” |
| Third person singular neutral | it | it | “I repaired it.” |
| First person plural | we | us | “The coach selected us.” |
| Third person plural | they | them | “The client emailed them.” |
The labels masculine, feminine, and neutral describe traditional grammatical categories, not a requirement to guess someone’s identity. Use the pronoun that matches the person’s stated or established pronouns. Singular they is standard when a person uses they pronouns or when gender is unknown.
How Do Object Pronouns Differ From Subject Pronouns?
Subject pronouns usually identify the agent of an action, whereas object pronouns identify the recipient, target, or affected participant. The reliable distinction is grammatical function, not simply whether a pronoun appears before or after a verb.
| Function | Subject pronoun | Object pronoun | Complete sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| First-person singular | I | me | “I called me” is unusual; “They called me” is normal. |
| Third-person singular masculine | he | him | “He saw him.” |
| Third-person singular feminine | she | her | “She invited her.” |
| First-person plural | we | us | “We joined us” needs a special context; “They joined us” is normal. |
| Third-person plural | they | them | “They selected them.” |
Compare these sentences:
- I trust her.
- She trusts me.
- They sent us the schedule.
- We spoke with them.
A pronoun can appear after a verb without being an object in every construction. In “She became tired,” tired is a subject complement, not an object, because became links the subject to a description rather than transferring an action.
How Do Object Pronouns Work?
Object pronouns work in three main grammatical roles: direct objects, indirect objects, and objects of prepositions. The same form can perform different roles, so the surrounding verb or preposition determines its function.
Direct Objects
A direct object receives the action of a transitive verb. Ask what? or whom? after the verb, then replace the answer with the matching pronoun.
- “The mechanic fixed the bicycle.”
“The mechanic fixed it.” - “I met Jordan.”
“I met him.” - “The nurse called the patients.”
“The nurse called them.”
A direct object may refer to a person, animal, thing, or idea. The pronoun must match the intended referent, not merely the nearest noun.
Indirect Objects
An indirect object identifies the recipient or beneficiary of an action. In “Lena gave me the key,” me is the indirect object and the key is the direct object.
| Pattern | Example | Object-pronoun role |
|---|---|---|
| Verb + person + thing | “He sent her the invoice.” | her is indirect; invoice is direct |
| Verb + thing + to + person | “He sent the invoice to her.” | her is prepositional object |
| Verb + person + thing | “They bought us tickets.” | us is indirect; tickets is direct |
| Verb + thing + for + person | “They bought tickets for us.” | us is prepositional object |
The two patterns are often equivalent, but not always equally natural. Give me the file is concise, while give the file to me places greater emphasis on the recipient.
Objects of Prepositions
A preposition normally takes an object pronoun, not a subject pronoun. Common prepositions include to, for, with, from, about, between, against, near, beside, and without.
- “This message is for him.”
- “The decision depends on us.”
- “She sat beside me.”
- “The agreement is between you and me.”
- “Nobody spoke against her.”
The preposition determines the phrase structure, while the pronoun supplies the person or thing connected to it. This rule remains reliable in formal writing and edited speech, even when casual conversation sometimes produces subject forms.
How Can You Identify an Object Pronoun?
Use a five-step test: locate the verb, identify the subject, ask what or whom the action affects, check for a preposition, and select the matching object form. The method works best when you test the entire clause rather than relying on word order.
- Locate the main verb.
In “The editor corrected me,” the verb is corrected. - Identify the subject.
Ask who performed the action: the editor. - Find the affected participant.
Ask corrected whom: me. - Check for a preposition.
In “The editor spoke with me,” with introduces the object. - Match person and number.
Choose me, you, him, her, it, us, or them.
The substitution test provides a second check. Remove the name from “The teacher called Sarah and I.” The remaining sentence, “The teacher called I,” sounds wrong because the verb requires an object form: “The teacher called me.”
When Does a Preposition Require an Object Pronoun?
A preposition requires an object form when the phrase names a person or thing connected to that preposition. Therefore, standard edited English uses with him, for her, to us, and between them, rather than with he, for she, to we, or between they.
Why Is “Between You and Me” Correct?
“Between you and me” is correct because between is a preposition and both coordinated pronouns are its objects. I is a subject form, so “between you and I” applies the subject case where object case is required.
The same test works in less familiar examples:
- Correct: “The arrangement is between him and me.”
- Incorrect: “The arrangement is between he and I.”
- Correct: “She divided the work among us.”
- Incorrect: “She divided the work among we.”
A formal preposition can be followed by a noun phrase containing a subject form in unusual quoted or deliberately nonstandard language, but ordinary edited prose requires the object form.
How Do Compound Objects Work?
A compound object contains two or more objects joined by a coordinator such as and or or. Every member of the compound must have the correct grammatical case, so “The director invited Sam and me” is correct.
| Sentence | Test after removing the first name | Correct result |
|---|---|---|
| “The director invited Sam and me.” | “The director invited me.” | Object form |
| “The director invited Sam and I.” | “The director invited I.” | Incorrect |
| “Send the report to Priya and him.” | “Send the report to him.” | Object form |
| “Send the report to Priya and he.” | “Send the report to he.” | Incorrect |
Pronoun order involves style as well as grammar. Many speakers place the other person first in a compound object, producing “Give it to him and me” rather than “Give it to me and him.” That order is a politeness convention, not a separate case rule. Both sequences use object forms, although the first may sound more conventional in formal contexts.
Are Object Pronouns Used After Linking Verbs?
After a linking verb, a pronoun may be grammatically controversial because the word can function as a subject complement rather than an object. In formal traditional style, “It was I” treats I as a complement, while ordinary modern English usually prefers “It was me.”
Linking verbs such as be, seem, become, and remain do not normally transfer action to an object:
- “The caller was her.” Common modern usage.
- “The caller was she.” Formal or traditional usage.
- “The winner became him.” Usually awkward; context determines the intended construction.
- “The winner was him.” Common conversational usage.
This is one area where grammar descriptions and real usage diverge. For general communication, use the form that matches the register and audience. In careful formal writing, rewrite the sentence if the distinction matters: “She was the caller.”
How Are Reflexive Pronouns Different?
Reflexive pronouns refer back to the subject of the same clause, while ordinary object pronouns usually refer to a different participant. The reflexive set includes myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourselves, and themselves.
| Ordinary object | Reflexive form | Correct use | Incorrect replacement |
|---|---|---|---|
| me | myself | “She blamed me.” | “She blamed myself.” |
| you | yourself | “You introduced yourself.” | “I contacted yourself.” |
| him | himself | “He cut himself.” | “We invited himself.” |
| her | herself | “She taught herself.” | “They called herself.” |
| them | themselves | “They defended themselves.” | “I emailed themselves.” |
Reflexives are correct when the subject and object refer to the same person: “Marcus congratulated himself.” They are also used for emphasis: “I prepared the presentation myself.” Corporate phrases such as “Please contact myself” are usually hypercorrect; “Please contact me” is the standard choice.
What Is the Correct Object Form of Singular “They”?
The object form of singular they is them. Use them when one person uses they pronouns or when the person’s gender is unknown, unspecified, or irrelevant.
- “Alex submitted their form, and I reviewed them.”
- “Someone left a message. Please call them back.”
- “The new employee asked me to train them.”
The possessive forms are their and theirs, while the reflexive form is usually themself for a singular individual and themselves in many established uses. Pronoun agreement should follow the person’s stated preference when known. Singular they is not a mistake caused by plural grammar; it is an established English option documented in modern style guides and dictionaries.
What Common Errors Should You Fix?
The most frequent errors involve hypercorrection, coordination, reflexive substitution, and confusion between a direct object and a subject. Each error becomes easier to fix when the questionable pronoun is tested in isolation.
| Error pattern | Incorrect example | Correct example | Diagnostic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preposition plus subject form | “Between you and I” | “Between you and me” | Remove you |
| Compound object | “They called Ana and I” | “They called Ana and me” | “They called me” |
| Reflexive hypercorrection | “Please email myself” | “Please email me” | No same-subject reference |
| Compound subject | “Him and I went” | “He and I went” | Remove the other subject |
| Object and subject mix | “Her gave it to us” | “She gave it to us” | Ask who acted |
| Wrong number | “The team thanked it” | “The team thanked them” | Match the intended people |
Mistake: “Him and Me Went”
The correct standard form is “He and I went.” The pair is the subject of went, so both pronouns need subject forms.
The reverse sentence changes the case: “The guide led him and me.” Here, him and me are objects of led.
Mistake: Choosing by Sound Alone
Speakers sometimes choose I because it sounds more formal, even when the pronoun is an object. Formality does not change grammatical function. “The committee selected her and me” is correct because both people receive the action.
What Are the Main Variations in Register?
Standard English has a stable object-pronoun inventory, but speech, writing, dialect, and formality influence disputed constructions. Casual speech may preserve forms that edited writing changes, while some dialects use object forms more broadly.
| Context | Common form | Formal edited alternative | Practical choice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prepositional phrase | “with me” | “with me” | Same form |
| Compound object | “for you and me” | “for you and me” | Same form |
| Linking verb | “It is me” | “It is I” | Use “It is me” generally |
| Corporate request | “contact me” | “contact me” | Avoid “contact myself” |
| Unknown person | “I spoke with them” | “I spoke with them” | Singular they is acceptable |
| Informal dialect variation | Object form in subject position | Conventional subject form | Match audience and purpose |
A useful practitioner rule is to prioritize clarity over ceremonial formality. Readers rarely misunderstand “It was me,” but many notice the unnecessary stiffness of “Please contact myself.”
How Can You Practise Object Pronouns?
Short substitution drills build recognition, while editing real sentences builds transfer. A practical routine takes 10 minutes per day: five minutes for isolated choices, three minutes for sentence rewriting, and two minutes for speaking aloud.
Exercise 1: Replace the Noun
Replace the bold noun phrase with an object pronoun.
- “The dog followed the children.”
Answer: “The dog followed them.” - “Nora invited my brother.”
Answer: “Nora invited him.” - “The technician repaired the printer.”
Answer: “The technician repaired it.” - “The manager sent my colleagues and me a notice.”
Answer: “The manager sent us a notice.”
Exercise 2: Choose the Correct Form
- “The supervisor spoke with I / me.”
Answer: me - “He / Him and I submitted the proposal.”
Answer: He - “The receptionist called she / her.”
Answer: her - “The decision is between they / them.”
Answer: them - “Someone asked for help, so I assisted they / them.”
Answer: them
Exercise 3: Edit the Sentence
Rewrite “The instructor gave the students and I feedback.” The corrected sentence is “The instructor gave the students and me feedback.” The phrase is an indirect object, and removing the students leaves the valid sentence “The instructor gave me feedback.”
For exam preparation, label each pronoun’s role before selecting its form. For workplace writing, search drafts for myself, between, with, to, and for, then inspect the following pronoun.
How Long Does Mastery Take?
Most learners can memorize the seven core forms in 1-2 hours, but reliable spontaneous use typically takes 2-4 weeks of daily practice. The timeframe varies with first-language structure, speaking frequency, and whether the learner receives corrective feedback.
| Learning goal | Typical active practice | Success indicator |
|---|---|---|
| Memorize the chart | 1-2 hours | Recite all seven forms |
| Recognize object roles | 2-5 days | Correct 8 of 10 written items |
| Use forms in prepared speech | 1-2 weeks | Fewer than 2 errors per minute |
| Use forms spontaneously | 2-4 weeks | Correct choices during conversation |
| Edit formal writing | 1-3 weeks | Correct prepositions and compounds |
These are typical learning ranges, not guarantees. A learner whose first language does not distinguish subject and object case may need more speaking practice than a learner whose language has a similar case system.
How Much Does It Cost to Learn Them?
The grammar itself costs nothing to learn. Free options include library grammar books, school worksheets, dictionary examples, and language-exchange practice; paid grammar applications commonly cost about $10-$30 per month, depending on the service and subscription plan.
| Resource type | Typical cost | Typical time | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Printable worksheet | $0 | 10-20 minutes | Basic form recognition |
| Public library book | $0-$25 | 15-30 minutes daily | Structured explanations |
| Language exchange | $0-$20 monthly | 15-30 minutes | Spontaneous speaking |
| Grammar application | $10-$30 monthly | 5-15 minutes daily | Repeated drills |
| Private tutor | $20-$80 per hour | 30-60 minutes weekly | Personalized correction |
Paid software can provide repetition, but it may not explain why me is correct after between. A teacher, editor, or language partner becomes more useful when the learner makes context-sensitive errors rather than simple memory errors.
Which Alternative Can Replace an Object Pronoun?
A noun phrase, a name, or an omitted object can replace an object pronoun when the meaning remains clear. The choice depends on emphasis, repetition, information status, and whether the verb permits an omitted object.
| Option | Example | Main effect | Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full noun phrase | “I called Dr. Chen.” | Maximum specificity | Can repeat information |
| Proper name | “I called Elena.” | Identifies one person | Requires known identity |
| Object pronoun | “I called her.” | Concise reference | Requires a clear antecedent |
| Omitted object | “I already ate.” | Very concise | Only works with suitable verbs |
| Passive construction | “She was called.” | Changes focus | Removes the active agent |
Object pronouns are not always the best choice. In “When Maya spoke to Lina, she thanked her,” the pronouns create ambiguity because the reader cannot confidently identify either referent. Repeating a name is better: “When Maya spoke to Lina, Maya thanked Lina.”
Can an Object Pronoun Appear Before a Verb?
An object pronoun can appear before a verb inside a larger clause, especially in questions, relative clauses, and subordinate structures, but its grammatical role remains object. Position alone cannot identify case.
- “Whom did the editor call?” Whom is the object of call.
- “The person whom I contacted replied.” Whom is the object of contacted.
- “The report that I reviewed was accurate.” That is the object of reviewed.
- “What did you see?” What is the object of see.
In ordinary conversation, many speakers use who instead of whom, especially at the beginning of questions. The core object forms remain clearer with personal pronouns: “Who did you call?” is widely accepted, while “I called him” is unambiguous.
FAQ
Is “you” both a subject and an object pronoun?
Yes. You serves as both the singular and plural subject form and the singular and plural object form. “You helped me” uses you as a subject, while “I helped you” uses you as an object. Context and sentence function determine the role.
Is “her” always an object pronoun?
No. Her can be an object pronoun or a possessive determiner. In “I called her,” her is an object pronoun. In “I called her office,” her modifies office and means the office belongs to or is associated with her.
Should I say “between you and I” in formal writing?
No. Use “between you and me” in standard formal writing because between is a preposition and requires object forms. The phrase “between you and I” is a hypercorrect construction caused by the mistaken belief that I always sounds more formal.
Can animals take object pronouns?
Yes. Use it for an animal when sex or individuality is not being emphasized, and use him, her, or them when the animal is known as an individual or has stated associations. “The cat followed me” and “I fed her” are both grammatical.
What is the difference between “them” and “themselves”?
Them is an ordinary object pronoun, as in “I invited them.” Themselves is reflexive or emphatic, as in “They invited themselves” or “They built the shelter themselves.” Use themselves when the object refers back to the subject or adds emphasis.
Do object pronouns show gender?
Some third-person singular forms traditionally distinguish him, her, and it, but English does not require gender assumptions when a person uses another pronoun. Use them for singular individuals who use they pronouns or when the person’s gender is unknown.
The Bottom Line
Object pronouns are me, you, him, her, it, us, and them, and they replace nouns functioning as direct objects, indirect objects, or objects of prepositions. Identify the verb and subject, locate the affected participant, check for a preposition, and then match person and number. Remember the core contrast: I acts, me receives; he acts, him receives; they act, them receive. Correct object pronoun use makes sentences shorter, clearer, and grammatically precise.
