Pronouns Made Simple

1.  Use its (no apostrophe) as a possessive word (similar to his):

Publix hopes to increase its profits this year.

The coat is missing one of its buttons.

Remember that it’s (with an apostrophe) always means it is:

When the bell rings, it’s time for class.

I’m going to buy Alice’s computer if it’s not too expensive.

2.  Use the “thumb rule” when a name appears with a personal pronoun—I, me, she, her, he, him, we, us, they, them.

THE THUMB RULE:  Cover the name and the word “and” with your thumb.   Read the sentence, skipping over the words you covered up.  Use the pronoun that sounds correct.

Let Jane and (I, me) help you.

Let Jane and me help you. (cover up “Jane and”)

Let Jane and me help you. CORRECT

Yesterday Jane and (I, me) helped Greg.

Yesterday Jane and I helped Greg.  (cover up “Jane and”)

Yesterday Jane and I helped Greg.  CORRECT

You can download a free Pronouns Made Simple handout at this link.

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