English grammar - Pronoun for class 6

Pronouns are the most underrated part of a sentence in the English language. They are used for replacing nouns in day-to-day conversations. Pronouns simplify the use of English in written and verbal forms. If it were not for pronouns, we would be heavily dependent on nouns to complete our sentences. This would complicate the language, and also make it confusing to those using it. Their study is an integral part of the English grammar pronouns for Class 6.

Before we pick up any language, we need to be aware of the basic rules or hacks that can enable us to grasp it better. This is particularly important when the language we are learning is not our first language. It is advisable to initiate students into the basics of Class 6 English grammar pronouns with care. At PlanetSpark, we continue to innovate the teaching methodology to make more room for understanding for a child. Our learning material is in sync with the CBSE class 6 English grammar, pronouns included. A student can not only get acquainted with Class 6 English grammar lessons, but also learn to use them in practical life.

Kinds of pronouns

Several kinds of pronouns are in use in the English language. In the following passage, we shall understand the different kinds of pronouns that are popularly taught in Class 6 English grammar lessons. This classification simplifies the usage of pronouns. The learning material curated by PlanetSpark is aligned with the CBSE Class 6 English grammar and pronoun chapters. Let us begin with the different kinds of pronouns to understand the language better. For clarity, we have provided examples with every type of pronoun in use.

1. Personal pronoun

These are the primary form of replacements for a noun. Pronouns that replace persons and animals, places and things are called personal pronouns.

Examples

1. Lakshmi is washing clothes (Sentence with a noun)

She is washing clothes (Sentence with a pronoun)

2. I am Abhishek, and that bat is Abhishek’s. (Sentence with a noun being repeated)

I am Abhishek, and that bat is mine. (Sentence with a pronoun)

In the second example, you can see how the pronoun ‘mine’ has simplified the language. It has made the sentence easier to understand, while removing the confusion over the noun repeating itself in the first sentence.

2. Interrogative pronoun

An interrogative pronoun, as the title suggests, asks a question. These questions can be about anyone or anything. Who, whom, which, what, whatever and whose are examples of interrogative pronouns. As a part of Class 6 grammar lesson, an important distinction is to be noted here. Sentences made with interrogative pronouns end with a question mark.

Example

Which one is your bottle?

Who is your class teacher?

3. Demonstrative pronoun

When you are using a pronoun to point out something, or build an association with someone, you are using a demonstrative pronoun. These pronouns can be used in both plural and singular forms. This, that, and these are examples of demonstrative pronouns.

Examples
1. This is my school.

2. Those eggs are rotten.

4. Reflexive pronoun

When a subject reflects on its own action, the pronouns used to identify the subject are called reflexive pronouns. In reflexive pronouns, the act of going back or coming back to oneself is in effect. Reflexive pronouns are always used when the subject is also the object in a sentence. Essentially, both are the same, and the pronoun reflects it as a connected entity.

Examples

1. She got herself a new purse.
2. He cut himself while chopping vegetables.

5. Relative pronoun

There are pronouns in everyday use that link two concurrent pieces of information about the same noun or subject. They provide additional information about the subject. That, what, which, and who are examples of relative pronouns.

Example

My friend, who lives next door, has won an online lottery.

In this sentence, ‘who’ is giving us additional information about the ‘friend’.

6. Emphatic pronoun

Pronouns that emphasise something or someone, are called emphatic or intensive pronouns. They are different from reflexive pronouns. Whenever you are confused between an emphatic and a reflexive pronoun, ask yourself if removing the pronoun takes away the importance of the noun. If it does, then it is an emphatic pronoun.

Examples

1. The president himself has commanded the troops.
2. I completed the homework myself.

7. Indefinite pronoun

Indefinite pronouns are accompanied by an absence of a measurable unit. Some common examples are: everyone, anyone, something, little, many, and some. These pronouns are used to measure anything in general.

Examples

1. Nobody visited the temple today.
2. Anyone can do this task.

8. Possessive pronoun

A pronoun that shows something belonging to someone is called a possessive pronoun. Such pronouns define ownership.

Example

1. Our house is smaller than theirs.
2. This ball is mine.

Rules for usage

Now that we know the different kinds of pronouns, we can proceed to understand the basic rules of their usage. These rules shall help you in the placement and understanding of the role of pronouns. Their usage has already been illustrated with examples for quick learning. Here are some of the ground rules you must remember for the correct usage of pronouns in the English language.

1. Cases of pronouns

Pronouns have three different cases: subjective or nominative, objective or accusative, and possessive.

1. Subjective pronouns are also called nominative pronouns. The most commonly used subjective pronouns are: I, you, we, they, he, she and it. These pronouns take over the role of subjects in a sentence. For example: I am driving the car.
2. Objective pronouns, also called accusative pronouns, are used as objects in a sentence. Me, him, her, and them are examples of objective pronouns. For example: I am cooking for you.
3. Possessive pronouns highlight the act of belonging. They point to ownership of someone or something. Pronouns such as my, mine, your, and their are possessive pronouns. For example: That is her mobile.
   

2. Reciprocal pronouns

These pronouns refer to a mutual relationship between two persons or animals. The important point to note here is that when reciprocal pronouns are used, both the nouns are subjects in a sentence. There are only two reciprocal pronouns. They are: ‘One another’, and ‘each other’. For example: The two families are fighting with one another.

3. Remember to pair a singular noun with a singular pronoun. Do not use a plural form with a singular noun. It leads to incorrect sentence formation. For example:
   The coach asked their players to take a break. This is incorrect usage.
   The coach asked his players to take a break. This is the correct pairing.

4. Collective nouns can be paired with plural forms of pronouns. Collective nouns come across as a single unit, but they can be paired with plural pronouns. For example: The crew brought their luggage on board.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a pronoun in the English language?

A word, which takes the place of a noun in a sentence, is called a pronoun. It is also called a ‘replacement noun’. Pronouns make it easier to form sentences. They also help avoid repeated use of the same noun, which can lead to confusion.

2. How many kinds of pronouns are there?

There are several kinds of pronouns in use. For simplicity in understanding, they have been divided into 8 categories. There are personal, possessive, interrogative, relative, demonstrative, reflexive, emphatic, and indefinite pronouns. There are three more – subjective and objective pronouns, and reciprocal pronouns. These 11 pronouns for children, examples included, have been explained in detail in Class 6 grammar lesson.

3. Can pronouns be used as a replacement for pronouns?

Pronouns tend to replace a subject in the sentence. A subject is usually the noun. So, a pronoun can only replace a noun. More than one pronoun can, however, be used in a sentence.

4. Are reflexive and emphatic pronouns the same?

No. Reflexive and emphatic pronouns often use the same set of words, but their usage is different. If a pronoun is emphasising something and removing it takes away its focus from the subject, then it is an intensive or an emphatic pronoun.

5. Are indefinite pronouns opposite of possessive pronouns?

Indefinite pronouns can come across as opposites of possessive pronouns, but they are not. Indefinite pronouns refer to nothing in particular. That’s why they do not point to anything specific or quantifiable. On the other hand, possessive pronouns highlight ownership of something or someone.

6. Is it okay to refer to PlanetSpark literature while studying CBSE-approved books for class 5 English pronouns?

Our pronoun activities for kids are aligned with the CBSE requirements for students in class 5. Students can gain valuable insight by referring to our well-researched learning material.

Summary

A pronoun steps in for a noun in a sentence. They are also called ‘replacement nouns’. Pronouns come with several advantages. They allow you to make multiple references of the same or different nouns in a sentence without diluting the meaning. Without pronouns, sentences in everyday usage would be confusing and difficult. Different kinds of pronouns are in use around the world. There are eight primary kinds of English grammar pronouns for Class 6, which cover almost all forms of usage. These are in tune with the CBSE approach for Class 6 English grammar and pronouns. PlanetSpark has curated its learning material for Class 6 grammar lessons, so they can easily understand the concept of pronouns and are able to use them in sentence formation.

References

https://byjus.com/govt-exams/pronoun/

https://www.takshilalearning.com/pronouns-english-worksheet-class-1/

https://www.tiwariacademy.com/ncert-solutions/class-5/english/grammar/chapter-5/

https://www.grammarly.com/blog/pronoun-cases/

https://schooltutoring.com/help/the-three-cases-of-personal-pronouns/