Pronouns are an essential part of any language, and mastering them is crucial for effective communication. They help us avoid redundancy and make our sentences clearer and more concise. Among the various types of pronouns, plural pronouns play a significant role in both spoken and written English. They replace nouns to signify more than one person, animal, thing, or concept. In this article, we will delve into the world of plural pronouns, discussing their types, uses, and some common pitfalls to avoid.
What Are Plural Pronouns?
Plural pronouns are pronouns that are used to refer to more than one noun. They can be subjects, objects, possessive forms, reflexive pronouns, or even demonstrative pronouns. The primary function of plural pronouns is to replace plural nouns, making sentences more fluid and less repetitive.
In English, the main plural pronouns include:
– They
– Them
– Their
– Theirs
– Themselves
– We
– Us
– Our
– Ours
– Ourselves
– These
– Those
Types of Plural Pronouns
Plural pronouns can be categorized into several types based on their function in a sentence. Let’s explore each type in detail.
Subject Pronouns
Subject pronouns are used as the subject of a sentence. The primary plural subject pronouns in English are we and they.
– We: Refers to a group including the speaker.
– Example: “We are going to the park.”
– They: Refers to a group not including the speaker.
– Example: “They are playing soccer.”
Object Pronouns
Object pronouns are used as the object of a verb or a preposition. The primary plural object pronouns in English are us and them.
– Us: Refers to a group including the speaker.
– Example: “The teacher praised us.”
– Them: Refers to a group not including the speaker.
– Example: “I saw them at the mall.”
Possessive Pronouns
Possessive pronouns show ownership or possession. The primary plural possessive pronouns in English are our, ours, their, and theirs.
– Our: Refers to something owned by a group including the speaker.
– Example: “This is our house.”
– Ours: Refers to something owned by a group including the speaker.
– Example: “The victory is ours.”
– Their: Refers to something owned by a group not including the speaker.
– Example: “Their car is red.”
– Theirs: Refers to something owned by a group not including the speaker.
– Example: “The credit is theirs.”
Reflexive Pronouns
Reflexive pronouns are used when the subject and the object of a sentence are the same. The primary plural reflexive pronouns in English are ourselves and themselves.
– Ourselves: Refers to a group including the speaker.
– Example: “We taught ourselves to play the guitar.”
– Themselves: Refers to a group not including the speaker.
– Example: “They prepared themselves for the exam.”
Demonstrative Pronouns
Demonstrative pronouns point to specific things. The primary plural demonstrative pronouns in English are these and those.
– These: Refers to plural things that are close to the speaker.
– Example: “These are my friends.”
– Those: Refers to plural things that are far from the speaker.
– Example: “Those are beautiful flowers.”
Usage of Plural Pronouns
Understanding when and how to use plural pronouns is crucial for clear and effective communication. Let’s look at some common scenarios where plural pronouns are used.
Replacing Nouns
Plural pronouns are often used to replace plural nouns to avoid redundancy and make sentences more concise.
– Example: “John and Mary went to the store. They bought some groceries.”
– Here, “they” replaces “John and Mary.”
Indicating Possession
When showing ownership or possession by a group, plural possessive pronouns are used.
– Example: “The students forgot their books.”
– “Their” indicates that the books belong to the students.
Referring Back to Previously Mentioned Groups
Plural pronouns are also used to refer back to groups that have already been mentioned in a conversation or text.
– Example: “The team played well. They won the match.”
– “They” refers back to “the team.”
Emphasizing the Subject
Reflexive pronouns can be used for emphasis or to indicate that the subject and object are the same.
– Example: “We enjoyed ourselves at the party.”
– “Ourselves” emphasizes that the enjoyment was experienced by the same group.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
While plural pronouns are straightforward, there are some common mistakes that learners often make. Here are a few tips to avoid these pitfalls.
Misusing Subject and Object Pronouns
One common mistake is confusing subject and object pronouns. Remember that subject pronouns (we, they) are used as the subject of a sentence, while object pronouns (us, them) are used as the object.
– Incorrect: “Them are going to the park.”
– Correct: “They are going to the park.”
Incorrect Use of Possessive Pronouns
Another common mistake is mixing up possessive pronouns. Ensure you use the correct form based on whether it is used before a noun or stands alone.
– Incorrect: “This is ours house.”
– Correct: “This is our house.”
Reflexive Pronouns Misuse
Reflexive pronouns should only be used when the subject and object are the same or for emphasis. Avoid using them unnecessarily.
– Incorrect: “They gave the gift to themselves.”
– Correct: “They gave the gift to them.”
Exercises and Practice
To master plural pronouns, practice is essential. Here are a few exercises to help you get comfortable using plural pronouns correctly.
Exercise 1: Identify the Plural Pronouns
Read the following sentences and identify the plural pronouns.
1. “We are planning a trip to the mountains.”
2. “Their house is at the end of the street.”
3. “They enjoyed themselves at the concert.”
4. “These are the best cookies I have ever tasted.”
5. “The teachers met to discuss their strategy.”
Answers:
1. We
2. Their
3. Themselves
4. These
5. Their
Exercise 2: Replace the Nouns with Plural Pronouns
Rewrite the following sentences by replacing the nouns with appropriate plural pronouns.
1. “Tom and Jerry went to the movies.”
2. “The children lost their way in the forest.”
3. “Mary and I baked a cake.”
4. “The students completed their assignments.”
5. “The players congratulated each other.”
Answers:
1. “They went to the movies.”
2. “They lost their way in the forest.”
3. “We baked a cake.”
4. “They completed their assignments.”
5. “They congratulated each other.”
Exercise 3: Fill in the Blanks with the Correct Plural Pronoun
Fill in the blanks with the appropriate plural pronoun.
1. “_________ are going to the beach this weekend.” (We/Us)
2. “The books belong to __________.” (they/them)
3. “_________ should help each other.” (They/Them)
4. “This is __________ responsibility.” (our/ours)
5. “The children can read by __________.” (themselves/them)
Answers:
1. We
2. them
3. They
4. our
5. themselves
Conclusion
Understanding and correctly using plural pronouns is fundamental for effective communication in English. They help in making our sentences less repetitive and more fluid. By learning the different types of plural pronouns and their uses, you can improve your writing and speaking skills significantly. Remember to practice regularly and pay attention to common pitfalls to avoid mistakes. With time and effort, you will find yourself using plural pronouns naturally and confidently. Happy learning!
