Linked table of contents:
Introduction
Grammar is an essential part of any language, and it is important to know the components of English grammar to communicate effectively and organize the language. Introducing grammar concepts to children at the primary level is crucial, as these are the foundation years. While various aspects of grammar are taught, it is essential to simplify the teaching methodology and ensure that children do not feel overwhelmed with the concepts.
This article discusses CBSE Class 2 English grammar, where the specific focus is given to pronouns, one of the parts of speech in English. Read further to know more about pronouns to simplify the learning process for your second-grader.
What Is A Pronoun?
Pronouns are words that replace nouns in sentences. Like nouns, pronouns also act as a subject or an object in a sentence. They can denote people, things, or places. Pronouns can either be singular or plural.
Being one of the parts of speech in English grammar, pronouns play a major role in enhancing our communication skills. They are versatile and make our sentences sound interesting and less repetitive. Want to learn about informal communication skills? Book a FREE class NOW!
For example, consider the following paragraph.
“The employees of the company are very hardworking. The employees do not waste their time. The employees work sincerely from morning till evening."
In the above paragraph, the noun 'employees' acts as the subject. However, using the noun in every sentence makes it repetitive and boring. Hence, let us replace the noun 'employees' with the pronoun 'they.'
"The employees of the company are very hardworking. They do not waste their time. They work sincerely from morning till evening."
Thus, we see that these sentences are much shorter and are not repetitive.
Uses Of Pronouns
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Pronouns make our speech or writing interesting, as they help avoid the repetition of nouns. Pronouns make our sentences shorter and more meaningful.
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They change the phrases to complete sentences.
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They strengthen our grasp of English grammar and enhance our communication skills.
Types Of Pronouns
Similar to nouns, pronouns can be singular or plural, and they can either be the subject or the object too. Let us look into the different types of pronouns.
Personal pronouns
Personal pronouns generally replace the nouns representing people. Pronouns such as I, you, he, she, it, we, they, etc., can be categorized as personal pronouns. According to their position in a sentence, the pronouns can function as the subject or the object.
Pronouns used as the subject
|
|
First person |
Second person |
Third person |
|
Singular |
I |
you |
he, she, it |
|
Plural |
we |
you |
they |
Examples
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He drives the car.
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They cannot write the exam.
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I need some water.
Pronouns used as the object
|
|
First person |
Second person |
Third person |
|
Singular |
me |
you |
him, her, it |
|
Plural |
us |
you |
them |
Examples
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Arun gave the book to her.
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Mom called me.
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Ajay gave them his books.
Possessive Pronouns
Possessive pronouns represent ownership or possession. Pronouns such as mine, ours, yours, etc., are possessive pronouns. The table below explains the different possessive pronouns used to show possession.
|
|
First person |
Second person |
Third person |
|
Singular |
mine |
yours |
his, hers, its |
|
Plural |
ours |
yours |
theirs |
Examples
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This book is mine.
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The house is theirs.
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Anu gave his books back.
Demonstrative Pronouns
Demonstrative Pronouns denote specific things or people. Depending on the distance of the objects from the characters, pronouns such as this, that, these, or those are used in sentences.
|
Position ( Distance) |
Singular |
Plural |
|
Near |
this |
these |
|
Far |
these |
those |
Examples
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These are my books.
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That is my house.
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This is for you.
Interrogative Pronouns
Interrogative pronouns are used to ask questions. Words like who, what, whose, which, etc., are interrogative pronouns.
Examples
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Whose books are these?
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Which color do you like?
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Whom do you want to meet?
Reflexive Pronouns
Reflexive pronouns are used as objects in sentences; however, these pronouns refer to the same noun as the subject. The pronouns such as himself, herself, myself, ourselves, etc., are reflexive pronouns.
Examples
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Raj considered himself to be lucky to get the offer.
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I can finish my work myself.
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Reena is proud of herself.
Relative Pronouns
Sometimes, the words such as who, what, which, etc., are used in connecting sentences. These are called relative pronouns. They are used to refer to the previously mentioned nouns.
Examples
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The woman who lives upstairs is an architect.
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The gift that you sent was amazing.
Rules Of Pronouns
While using pronouns, follow these simple rules and tips to help you avoid mistakes with English pronouns. Following these rules will make pronouns for children a cakewalk.
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Personal pronoun-noun agreement: Remember to use the pronoun that agrees with the noun it substitutes.
Example:
The boxes are heavy. They can't be carried easily.
Here, the plural personal pronoun 'they' agrees with the plural noun 'the boxes'
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No for possessive pronouns.
Example:
This book is hers. ( Not her's)
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When using an adjective to describe a pronoun, use it after the verb. Not before the pronoun.
Example:
She looks pretty. ( Not Pretty she)
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Use the subject and object pronouns consciously.
Example:
Tom and I went on a trip. ( Not Tom and me)
Here the pronoun 'I' is a subject pronoun. It is a common mistake to use 'me' in place of 'I.' Using the object pronoun, 'me', is grammatically incorrect.
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Use gender-appropriate pronouns:
Gender pronouns such as he, she, him, his, her, etc., acknowledge a person's gender and identity. Some nouns are gender-neutral, and it is difficult to identify the gender with the names. Hence it is very important to use them correctly.
Example:
Surya lives in Australia. His parents live in India.
Teaching Pronouns For Children
Teaching pronouns can appear to be challenging; however, when we follow the right approach, it can make learning fun and long-lasting for the kids.
PlanetSpark's fun games on pronouns help children understand and learn the part of speech easily. The Grammar Genius module at PlanetSpark is thoughtfully designed with interactive sessions and interesting activities to help children master the concept with ease. The content of Grammar Genius is based on the philosophy of guided practice, active learning, spaced repetition, and visual learning.
Activities At PlanetSpark For Grammar
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Pronoun Scavenger Hunt and Pronoun card Game are interesting games played using flashcards. These games help children identify the right noun that matches the given pronoun.
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The Two Room is an activity where different characters and items are drawn on two papers, considered two rooms. Children must identify the appropriate indefinite pronouns like this, that, these, and those to refer to the objects, based on the distance from the characters.
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Kids enjoy jumping and playing. The 'Let's Jump' is an activity to excite them about learning while sharpening their listening skills also. In this game, different pronouns are written on mats. A sentence containing a pronoun is readout. Kids listen to the sentence, identify the pronoun, and jump on the mat that has the pronoun used in the sentence.
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Children love quizzes. Interactive online games and quizzes on pronouns help children learn to classify pronouns, complete the sentence with pronouns, identify singular & plural pronouns, etc.
These interesting activities and games help your Class 2 child to learn pronouns in English grammar. These quizzes also allow you to create your own worksheet on pronouns for children as per CBSE or another syllabus. Want to solve worksheets/online tests created by Harvard Alumni? Book a FREE class NOW!
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the simple definition of pronouns in English grammar for Class 2 children? Give examples.
In English grammar, pronouns are words that substitute nouns.
Examples:
Raj lives in Hyderabad. He is eight years old.
Amal and Tom are students of Class 2. They are good friends.
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What are the different types of pronouns?
The different types of pronouns are
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Personal pronouns
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Possessive pronouns
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Demonstrative pronouns
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Interrogative pronouns
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Relative pronouns
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Reflective pronouns
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Why are pronouns important?
A pronoun is a significant part of speech in English grammar. Using pronouns helps us to communicate effectively as it reduces the repeated usage of nouns.
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Should children learn pronouns in grammar?
Pronouns are introduced in primary grades as early as class 1 and are discussed in detail in Class 2. Teaching pronouns to children in their foundation years is crucial in strengthening their English grammar and communication skills.
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What are the pronouns taught in Class 2 English grammar as per CBSE?
CBSE Class 2 English grammar syllabus on pronouns includes personal pronouns- I, you, we, he, she, it, and they.
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How is a pronoun different from a noun?
Nouns are naming words. They refer to the names of people, places, animals, or things. Pronouns are words that are used instead of nouns.
Example:
Riya is eight years old. She is in Class 2.
Here, 'Riya' is the noun, and 'she' is the pronoun.
Conclusion
Being thorough with the grammar concepts gives you the advantage of enhanced communication skills. Pronouns are vital grammar concepts in English grammar, and it is essential for kids to get comfortable with the concept during their foundation years. PlanetSpark provides a great platform to help your little ones learn pronouns in grammar and to be familiar with the rules and types of pronouns. Get your kids ahead with PlanetSpark!
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