Structure: Pronouns – SS2 English Lesson Note (Second Term)

A pronoun is a word used in place of a noun or a noun phrase. For example, “Ade is coming tomorrow” becomes “He is coming tomorrow.”

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• define a pronoun and give an example;
• identify first, second and third person pronouns in the singular and plural;
• state the subject and object forms of personal pronouns;
• explain what a relative pronoun is and list the relative pronouns;
• use relative pronouns correctly in sentences.

What are the types of pronouns?

There are different types of pronouns, such as personal pronouns, possessive pronouns, relative pronouns and reflexive pronouns. In this lesson, we shall consider personal and relative pronouns.

What are personal pronouns?

Personal pronouns refer to persons (and things). They are grouped into three persons: first, second and third.

What are the subject and object forms of personal pronouns?

Personal pronouns also have subject and object forms. Consider the table below.

What are relative pronouns?

A relative pronoun connects a clause or phrase to a noun or pronoun. The clause describes the noun. Relative pronouns include who, whose, whom, which, that, when and where.

Relative pronouns are usually placed directly after the noun or pronoun they modify. Examples:

1. The children whom we love dearly need better health plans.
2. The cop who saved the girl was very brave.
3. Remember the day when we met for the first time?
4. The painting which has such a rich history is now for sale.
5. Never lie to a lawyer whose job is to help you.

Words for the week

Abduct, Abrogate, Dirge, Dilatory, Embellish, Entail, Novice, Nefarious, Orthodox, Palliate

Evaluation

1. What is a pronoun? Give one example.
2. Write the object form of these pronouns: I, she, he, we, they.
3. List five relative pronouns.
4. Pick out the relative pronoun in this sentence: “Never lie to a lawyer whose job is to help you.”

Assignment

Write five sentences, each using a different one of these relative pronouns: who, whose, whom, which, that.