Difference Between Subject Pronoun and Object Pronoun

The difference between subject pronoun and object pronoun lies in their role within a sentence. A subject pronoun, like “I” or “they,” performs the action and usually comes before the verb. An object pronoun, such as “me” or “them,” receives the action and follows the verb or a preposition. Understanding the difference between subject pronoun and object pronoun helps in forming grammatically correct and clear sentences.

This blog will help you understand these differences with the help of clear definitions, examples, and rules.

Subject Pronouns

A subject pronoun (sometimes called a nominative pronoun) is used as the subject of a verb. It stands for the person, people, or thing(s) that are doing the action in the sentence. Since it performs the action, it usually comes at the beginning of the sentence, right before the verb.

Example: Rohan plays football every evening.

Here, Rohan is the subject because he is the one doing the action, playing football.

Now let’s replace the noun with a subject pronoun:

He plays football every evening.

In this sentence, he is the subject pronoun that replaces Rohan and performs the action.

Object Pronouns

An object pronoun (sometimes called an objective pronoun) is used as the object of a verb or a preposition. It stands for the person, people, or thing(s) that receive or are affected by the action. Object pronouns usually appear after the verb or after a preposition in the sentence.

Example: The teacher praised Ravi for his hard work.

Here, Ravi is the object of the verb praised, he is receiving the action.

Now let us replace the noun with an object pronoun:

The teacher praised him for his hard work.

In this sentence, him is the object pronoun that replaces Ravi and receives the action.

Also Read:

What are Pronouns? Check Definition, Classification, Types

Pronoun Worksheet for Class 1: Download Free PDF

Difference between Subject Pronoun and Object Pronoun

While they may look similar and are often derived from the same base words, subject pronouns and object pronouns play very different roles in a sentence. Here is a detailed explanation of the difference between subject pronouns and object pronouns with examples to help you understand their correct usage.

1. Function in a Sentence

Function of Subject Pronoun in a Sentence	Function of Object Pronoun in a Sentence
Subject pronouns are used to perform the action in a sentence. They act as the doers of the verb and are responsible for carrying out the main activity.	Object pronouns, on the other hand, receive the action of the verb. They function as the target or recipient of what is being done.
Example: He completed the project before the deadline.	Example: The teacher appreciated him for his efforts.

2. Position in a Sentence (Before or After the Verb)

Subject pronouns usually appear before the main verb in a sentence. Their position helps in identifying who is initiating the action.

Subject Pronoun Position in a Sentence wrt Verb	Object Pronoun Position in Sentence wrt Verb
Subject pronouns are used to perform the action in a sentence.	Object pronouns receive the action of the verb and usually come after the verb.
Example: They enjoy playing cricket every evening.	Example: She offered me a seat at the table.

3. Answering Questions

Answering Questions in Subject Pronouns	Answering Questions in Object Pronouns
Subject pronouns are used when answering questions about who or what is doing the action.	Object pronouns are used when answering questions about whom or what is receiving the action.
Example: Who will attend the meeting? – She will attend it.	Example: Whom did you call? – I called him.

4. Grammatical Case

Grammatical Case in Subject Pronouns	Grammatical Case in Object Pronouns
Subject pronouns belong to the nominative case, used for subjects in a sentence.	Object pronouns fall under the objective case, used as direct or indirect objects.
Example: I know the answer to the question.	Example: The manager called us into his office.

5. Singular and Plural Forms

Subject Pronouns in Singular Forms	Object Pronouns in Singular Forms
Subject pronouns in the singular form include I, you, he, she, it, and who.	Object pronouns in the singular form include me, you, him, her, it, and whom.
Example: He is preparing for the examination.	Example: The interviewer questioned her about her experience.

Subject Pronouns in Plural Forms	Object Pronouns in Plural Forms
Subject pronouns in the plural form include we, you, they, and who.	Object pronouns in the plural form include us, you, them, and whom.
Example: We are planning a vacation next month.	Example: The coach praised them for their teamwork.

6. Usage in Compound Subjects and Objects

Usage of Subject Pronouns with Compound Subjects and Objects	Usage of Object Pronouns with Compound Subjects and Objects
Subject pronouns should be used when the pronoun is part of a compound subject, especially with another noun or pronoun.	Object pronouns are used correctly in compound objects. Using subject pronouns in this position is a common mistake.
Example: My sister and I visited the museum.	Example: He thanked her and me for the support.

7. Usage in Formal vs Informal Context

Use of Subject Pronoun in Formal and Informal Context	Usage of Object Pronoun in Formal and Informal Context
Subject pronouns tend to remain the same in both formal and informal speech, so there’s little variation in their use.	Object pronouns like whom are considered more formal, and while often replaced by who in casual speech, they are still preferred in formal writing or professional communication.
Example: She knows the topic very well.	Example: To whom should the report be addressed?

8. Use in Interrogative Sentences

Use of Subject Pronouns in Interrogative Sentences	Use of Object Pronouns in Interrogative Sentences
Subject pronouns, such as who are used when asking about the subject of the sentence or the doer of the action.	Object pronouns such as whom are used when asking about the object of the sentence or the one receiving the action.
Example: Who submitted the assignment early?	Example: Whom did the teacher choose as the monitor?

Mastering the use of subject and object pronouns is essential for building clear and grammatically correct sentences. Subject pronouns like I, he, she, and they help us know who is doing the action, while object pronouns like me, him, her, and them tell us who is receiving it. Understanding their roles not only improves sentence structure but also enhances communication by making it more fluent and less repetitive. With regular practice and attention to sentence formation, choosing the correct pronoun becomes a natural part of using the English language effectively.

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Explore topics on Pronouns below:

What are Possessive Pronouns?	Personal Pronoun Exercises
What are Emphatic Pronouns?	Relative Pronoun Exercises
What is Demonstrative Pronoun?	Reflexive Pronoun Exercise

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