Is “It” an Object Pronoun?

“It” is a versatile pronoun in the English language that can serve as both a subject pronoun and an object pronoun. In the sentence “Mary ordered chocolate ice cream. She really enjoyed it,” the pronoun “it” is functioning as an object pronoun, replacing the object noun “chocolate ice cream” and receiving the action of the verb “enjoyed.”

Understanding Object Pronouns

Object pronouns are used to replace the object of a sentence, which is the noun or noun phrase that receives the action of the verb. They typically come after the verb and answer the question “whom?” or “what?” in relation to the verb.

The common object pronouns in English are:

• me
• you
• him
• her
• it
• us
• them

These pronouns can be used to replace direct objects, indirect objects, and objects of prepositions.

Direct Objects

A direct object is the noun or pronoun that receives the action of the verb. In the sentence “Mary ordered chocolate ice cream,” the direct object is “chocolate ice cream.” This can be replaced with the object pronoun “it”:

• Mary ordered it.

Indirect Objects

An indirect object is the noun or pronoun that indicates the recipient or beneficiary of the action. In the sentence “Mary gave her brother a book,” the indirect object is “her brother.” This can be replaced with the object pronoun “him”:

• Mary gave him a book.

Objects of Prepositions

Objects of prepositions are the nouns or pronouns that come after a preposition, such as “in,” “on,” “to,” or “with.” In the sentence “The cat jumped on the table,” the object of the preposition “on” is “the table.” This can be replaced with the object pronoun “it”:

• The cat jumped on it.

Identifying Object Pronouns

To identify an object pronoun in a sentence, look for the pronoun that comes after the verb and answers the question “whom?” or “what?” in relation to the verb.

Here are some examples:

1. She gave him the book.

2. “Him” is the object pronoun, replacing the indirect object “the book.”

3. I saw them at the park.

4. “Them” is the object pronoun, replacing the direct object “them.”

5. The teacher called on me to answer the question.

6. “Me” is the object pronoun, replacing the object of the preposition “on.”

7. Mary ordered chocolate ice cream. She really enjoyed it.

8. “It” is the object pronoun, replacing the direct object “chocolate ice cream.”

9. The cat jumped on it.

10. “It” is the object pronoun, replacing the object of the preposition “on.”

Distinguishing Subject and Object Pronouns

It’s important to note that some pronouns, such as “it,” can function as both subject and object pronouns, depending on their role in the sentence.

As a subject pronoun, “it” is the noun or pronoun that performs the action of the verb. For example:

• It is raining.
• It belongs to me.

As an object pronoun, “it” is the noun or pronoun that receives the action of the verb. For example:

• Mary ordered chocolate ice cream. She really enjoyed it.
• The cat jumped on it.

To determine whether “it” is a subject or object pronoun, consider the role it plays in the sentence. If “it” is the one performing the action, it’s a subject pronoun. If “it” is receiving the action, it’s an object pronoun.

Proper Usage of Object Pronouns

Using object pronouns correctly is essential for clear and grammatically correct communication. Here are some guidelines for proper usage:

1. Placement: Object pronouns should come after the verb or preposition they are replacing.
2. Correct: Mary ordered chocolate ice cream. She really enjoyed it.

3. Incorrect: Mary ordered chocolate ice cream. She it really enjoyed.

4. Case: Object pronouns should be in the objective case, which is different from the subjective case used for subject pronouns.

5. Correct: She gave the book to him.

6. Incorrect: She gave the book to he.

7. Compound Sentences: In compound sentences with multiple clauses, the object pronoun should be placed in the appropriate clause.

8. Correct: She ordered the ice cream, and she really enjoyed it.

9. Incorrect: She ordered the ice cream, and really enjoyed it.

10. Reflexive Pronouns: Reflexive pronouns, such as “myself,” “yourself,” and “itself,” are a type of object pronoun that refers back to the subject of the sentence.

11. Correct: I bought the book myself.

12. Incorrect: Me bought the book myself.

13. Pronoun Agreement: Object pronouns should agree with the noun or pronoun they are replacing in number and gender.

14. Correct: Mary ordered the ice cream. She really enjoyed it.
15. Incorrect: Mary ordered the ice cream. She really enjoyed them.

By understanding the role of object pronouns and following these guidelines, you can ensure clear and grammatically correct communication in your writing and speech.

Exercises

1. Identify the object pronouns in the following sentences:

2. The teacher called on him to answer the question.

3. I saw them at the park.
4. Mary gave her a book.
5. The cat jumped on it.

6. She really enjoyed it.

7. Replace the underlined nouns with the appropriate object pronouns:

8. Mary ordered chocolate ice cream. She really enjoyed chocolate ice cream.

9. The teacher gave the students a test. She handed the students the test.
10. The boy threw the ball to his friend. He threw the ball to his friend.

11. The cat is sitting on the table. The cat jumped the table.

12. Write your own sentences using object pronouns correctly.

Reference:

1. Understanding Object Pronouns in English
2. Object Pronouns: Definition and Examples
3. Pronouns: Subject, Object, and Possessive