Introduction

Pronouns are words that are used instead of noun phrases, when it is unnecessary or impossible to use a more precise expression. Examples:

• I – meaning ‘the speaker’
• it – referring to a thing that has already been mentioned
• your – meaning ‘belonging to or associated with the hearer(s)’
• somebody – referring to an unknown or undefined person
• one – meaning for example ‘people in general’

Most pronouns are covered in this Section. For relative pronouns, (see here). For whoever, whatever, whichever, (see here).

Some determiners (e.g. this, both, most) can be used alone without following nouns, like pronouns, when the determiner alone makes the meaning clear.

• Look at this. (= ‘this thing that you can see’)
• ‘Which scarf would you like? ’ ‘I’ll take both.’ (= ‘both scarves’)
• Not all bears can climb trees, but most can. (= ‘most bears’)

These pronoun-like uses of determiners are covered in Determiners: a/an and the; my, your, etc; this, that, etc, Determiners: quantifiers, along with their other uses.

Do you know what’s wrong with these, and why?

She loved the picture because reminded her of home. (see here)

The forecast it was reasonably accurate. (see here)

‘Who’s that over there?’ ‘He’s John Cook.’ (see here)

Everybody except he can come. (see here)

It’s for he to decide. (see here)

He who leaves last should lock the door. (see here)

Why don’t I and you go away for the weekend? (see here)

Can I borrow your keys? I can’t find the mine. (see here)

I met another Lucy’s boyfriend yesterday. (see here)

We got out of the water and dried us. (see here)

She took her dog with herself. (see here)

Do you shave yourself on Sundays? (see here)

His book’s selling itself well. (see here)

Try to concentrate yourself. (see here)

Susan and Daniel talk to themselves on the phone every day. (see here)

One speaks English in this shop. (see here)

One speaks a strange dialect where I come from. (see here)

In the 16th century one believed in witches. (see here)

We’re looking for a house. We’d like a one with a garden. (see here)

If you haven’t got fresh juice I’ll take canned one. (see here)

I’ll take both ones. (see here)

A grandparent’s job is easier than a parent’s one. (see here)

Do you need coffee cups or tea ones? (see here)

Let’s go and ask the old one for advice. (see here)