A1 Beginner Pronouns and possession
Object pronouns
Lesson goal. After this lesson you can use me, him, her, us, them correctly after verbs and prepositions — no more Give the book to he.
When to use it
- Replacing a noun already mentioned, in object position: I know Lan. → I know her.
- After prepositions: with me · for him · to them
- Avoiding the same noun twice in one sentence
Form
| Subject | Object | Example |
|---|---|---|
| I | me | She helps me. |
| you | you | I see you. |
| he | him | I know him. |
| she | her | We like her. |
| it | it | I want it. |
| we | us | They invited us. |
| they | them | I met them. |
Step by step
- Ask: does this word come before or after the verb?
- Before the verb (the subject) → I, he, she, we, they.
- After the verb, or after a preposition (to, for, with, at) → me, him, her, us, them.
Three positions to recognise
| Position | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Before the verb | subject | She calls me every day. |
| After the verb | object | I call her every day. |
| After a preposition | object | This present is for him. |
Examples
Lan is my friend. I like her.
Can you help me, please?
My parents love us very much.
I don't know them.
Give the book to him.
She is waiting for you.
This present is for me.
The cat is hungry. Feed it.
Common mistakes
Give the book to he. → Give the book to him.
Vietnamese uses one word for every position, so learners see no reason to change. English requires the object form after a preposition.
Me like pizza. → I like pizza.
Before the verb you need the subject form I.
She helps my and my sister. → She helps me and my sister.
my is a possessive adjective and needs a noun. In object position use me.
Memory tip
Just find the verb. Left of the verb is the subject (he, she, we). Right of it is the object (him, her, us). Prepositions also take the right-hand form.
Summary
- Before the verb → subject: I, he, she, we, they.
- After the verb and after prepositions → object: me, him, her, us, them.
- you and it are the same in both positions.
Practise this lesson
Do exercises with an explanation for every question, take mini tests and track your progress on GrammUp.