DIFFERENT TYPES OF PRONOUNS

1.REFLEXIVE  PRONOUNS

132. When -self is added to my, your, him, her, it, and -selves to our, your, them, we get
what are called Compound Personal Pronouns.
They are called Reflexive Pronouns when the action done by the subject turns back
(reflects) upon the subject; as,

1. I hurt myself.
2. We hurt ourselves.
3. You will hurt yourself.
4. You hurt yourselves.
5. He hurt himself.
6. She hurt herself.
7. They hurt themselves.
8. The horse hurt itself.

It will be noticed that each of these Reflexive Pronouns is used as the Object of a verb,
and refers to the same person or thing as that denoted by the Subject of the verb.
133. Sometimes, in older English, especially in poetry, a simple pronoun was used
reflexively; as;
Now I lay me down to sleep.

2.EMPHATIC PRONOUNS

135. Now look at the following sentences:-

1. I will do it myself.
2. I myself saw him do it.
3. We will see to it ourselves.
4. You yourself can best explain.
5. He himself said so.
6. She herself says so.
7. It was told so by the teacher himself.
8. We saw the Prime Minister himself.
9. The town itself is not very large.
10. They themselves admitted their guilt.

It will be seen that here Compound Personal Pronouns are used for the sake of emphasis,
and are therefore called Emphatic Pronouns.

3.DEMONSTRATIVE, INDEFINITE AND DISTRIBUTIVE
PRONOUNS
136. Consider the following sentences:-
This is a present from my uncle.

1. These are merely excuses,
2. Both cars are good; but this is better than that
3. Mumbai mangoes are better than those of Bangalore.
4. Make haste, that's a good boy. [Here that - one who makes haste.]
5. There is no period in ancient-Indian history so glorious as that of the Guptas. [Do not
6. write, “as the Guptas”]
7. My views are quite in accordance with those of the University Commission.
8. I may have offended, but such was not my intention.
9. He was the representative of the King, and as such (= the representative of the King)
10. they honored him.
11. The stranger is welcomed as such.
12. That is the Red Fort.

will be noticed that the Pronouns in italics are used to point out the objects to which they refer, and are, therefore, called Demonstrative Pronouns. (Latin demonstrare, to show clearly).
A work from S. CHAND & COMPANY LTD.

137. This, that, etc. are (Demonstrative) Adjectives when they are used with nouns; as,

1. This book is mine.
2. That pen is yours.
3. These books are mine.
4. Those pens are yours.
5. What was that noise?
6. This horse is better than that horse.,
7. All such people ought to be avoided.

138. This refers to what is close at hand, and nearest to the thought or person of the
speaker; that refers to what is 'over there', farther] away, and more remote.

    This is better than that.

139. That, with its plural those, is used to avoid the repetition of a preceding Noun; as,

1. The climate of Belgaum is like that of Pune.
2. The streets of this city are worse than those of Ahmedabad.
3. Our soldiers were better drilled than those of enemies.
4. The rivers of America are larger than those of Europe.

140. When two things which have been already mentioned are referred to, this refers to
the thing last mentioned, that to the thing first mentioned; as,
Virtue and vice offer themselves for your choice; this (i.e., vice) leads to misery, that
(i.e., virtue) to happiness,

Alcohol and tobacco are both injurious; this perhaps, less than that.

4.INDEFINITE PRONOUNS

141. Consider the following sentences:
One hardly knows what to do.

1. One does not like to say so, but it is only too true.
2. One cannot be too careful of one's (not, his) good name.
3. One must not boast of one's own success.
4. One must use one's best efforts if one wishes to succeed.
5. One must not praise one's self.
6. None of his poems are well known.
7. None but fools have ever believed it.

[None is a shortened form of not one; yet it is commonly used with plural verbs].
They (= people in general) say he has lost heavily.
They say that one of the local banks has stopped payment. [They say = it is said by some
persons.]

1. All were drowned.
2. Some are born great.
3. Some say he is a sharper.
4. Somebody has stolen my watch.
5. Nobody was there to rescue the child.
6. Few escaped unhurt.
7. Many of them were Gurkhas.
8. We did not see any of them again.
9. One or other of us will be there.
10. Do good to others.
11. Did you ask anybody to come?
12. What is everybody's business is nobody's business.
13. His words are in everyone's mouth.

All these Pronouns in italics refer to persons or things in a general way, but do not refer
to any person or thing in particular. They are, therefore, called Indefinite Pronouns.

142. Most of these words may also be used as Adjectives.

1. • I will take you there one day.
2. • Any fool can do that.
3. • He is a man of few words.
4. • Some milk was spilt.

143. In referring to anybody, everybody, everyone, anyone, each etc., the pronoun he or
she is used according to the context; as,

I shall be glad to help everyone of my boys in his studies.
Note that today it is more usual to use a plural pronoun (they/ them/their) except in very
formal English.
Anybody can do it if they try.
Each of them had their share.

5.DISTRIBUTIVE PRONOUNS

144. Consider the following sentences:-

1. • Each of the boys gets a prize.
2. • Each took it in turn.
3. • Either of these roads leads to the railway station.
4. • Either of you can go.
5. • Neither of the accusations is true.

Each, either, neither are called Distributive Pronouns because they refer to persons or
things one at a time. For this reason they are always singular and as such followed by the
verb in the singular.

Note:- Each is used to denote every one of a number of persons or things taken singly.

• Either means the one or the other of two.
• Neither means not the one nor the other of two. It is the negative of either.
Hence either and neither should be used only in speaking of two persons or things. When
more than two are spoken of, any, no one, none should be used.

145. The position of the pronoun each should be noticed. It may have three positions.

1. Each of the men received a reward.
Each of these horses cost five thousand rupees.
I bought each of these mangoes for three rupees.
2. These men received each a reward.
These horses cost each five thousand rupees.
3. These horses cost five thousand rupees each.
I bought these mangoes for three rupees each.
The third order is usual after a numeral. We do not say, 'The men received a reward each';
but we say, 'The men received five hundred rupees each'.

146. In the following sentences, each, either and neither are used as Adjectives; they are
followed by nouns of the singular number:-
Each boy took his turn. Neither accusation is true.
At either end was a marble statue. (Here either = each or both.)

147. Study the following sentences :-

1. The two men hate each other.
2. They cheated one another.
If we analyse them, they mean-
1. The two men hate, each hates the other.
2. They cheated, one cheated another.
Each and one really belong to the subject, other and another are objects. But each other
and one another have become in practice compound pronouns (called Reciprocal
Pronouns) and are rarely separated even by a preposition. Thus we say:
The brothers quarrelled with each other.
They all gave evidence against one another.
Note - The one-time rule that each other should be used in speaking of two persons or
things, one another in speaking of more than two is no longer strictly observed. 'The three
brothers quarrelled with each other' is now accepted as idiomatic.

6.RELATIVE PRONOUNS

148. Read the following pairs of sentences:
1. I met Hari. Hari had just returned.
2. I have found the pen. I lost the pen.
3. Here is the book. You lent me the book.

Let us now combine each of the above pairs into one sentence. Thus :-

1. I met Hari who had just returned.
2. I have found the pen which I lost.
3. Here is the book that you lent me.

Now let us examine the work done by each of the words, who, which and that.
The word who is used instead of the noun Hari. It, therefore, does the work of a Pronoun.
The word who joins or connects two statements. It, therefore, does the work of a
Conjunction.
The word who, therefore, does double work-the work of a Pronoun and also the work of a
Conjunction.
We might, therefore, call it a Conjunctive Pronoun.
It is, however, called a Relative Pronoun because it refers or relates (Le., carries us back)
to some noun going before (here, the noun Hari), which is called its Antecedent.
Let the pupil show why which and that are also Relative Pronouns in the second and third
sentences.
• What is the Antecedent of which in the second sentence?
• What is the Antecedent of that in the third sentence?

7.INTERROGATIVE PRONOUNS

169. Consider the following sentences :-

1. Who is there? Who are you?
2. About whom you are thinking? / Who are you thinking about?
3. Whom do you want? / Who do you want?
4. Whose is this book?
5. Which is the house?
6. Which do you prefer, tea or coffee?
7. What is the matter?
8. What do you want?
9. What will all (he neighbors say?

It will be noticed that the Pronouns in italics are similar in form to Relative Pronouns.
But the work which they do is different. They are here used for asking questions, and are,
therefore, called Interrogative Pronouns.

170. In the following sentences the Interrogative Pronouns are used in asking indirect
questions.

1. I asked who was speaking.
2. I do not know who is there.
3. Tell me what you have done.
4. Ask what he wants.
5. Say which you would tike best.

171. Again consider the following sentences: -

Whose is this book? (Possessive)
Whom did you see? / Who did you see?, To whom were you speaking? / Who were you
speaking to? (Accusative)
What is that? (Nominative)
What do you want? (Accusative)
Which is he? (Nominative)
Which do you prefer? (Accusative)
Nominative: who, Possessive: whose, Accusative: whom/who --Masc. and Fem. Singular
and Plural.
Today the accusative who is more usual than whom, especially in spoken English.
What and which do not have different forms for different cases.

172. Who is used of persons only.

Who spoke? (We expect the answer to be the name of a person.)
Who goes there? Who made the top score? Who is knocking at the door? Who says so?
Whose is this umbrella? Whom did you see?

173. Which is used of both persons and things. It implies selection, that is, it implies a
question concerning a limited number.

1. Which is your friend? Which are your books?
2. Which of the boys saw him?
3. Which of you has done this?
4. Which of these books is yours?
5. Which of the pictures do you like best?
6. Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? Which will you take?

174. What is used of things only.

1. What have you found? (We expect the answer to be the name of a thing.)
2. What do you want? What did you say?
3. What was it all about?
4. What is sweeter than honey?
5. What are those marks on your coat?

175. In such expressions as, 'What are you?' 'What is he?' What is this man?' the word
what does not refer to the person but to his profession or employment (Today it is more
usual to say, ‘What do you do?’ etc).
What are you? --- I am a doctor.
What is he? --- He is an engineer.
But-
Who is he? (= What is his name and family?) -He is Mr. K.P. Roy.

176. In the following sentences which and what are used as Interrogative Adjectives:-
• Which book are your reading?
• Which way shall we go?
• What books have you read?
• What pranks are you playing?
• What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?

177. In the following sentences the words in italics are used as Compound Interrogative
Pronouns :-
Whoever told you so?
Whatever are you doing?
Note.- The forms whoever, whichever, whatever, are intensive.

Exercise:

Join together each of the following pairs of sentences by means of a Connective:-

1. I know a man. The man has been to Iceland.

2. The thief stole the watch. The thief was punished.

3. Show the road. The road leads to Delhi.

4. Here is the doctor. The doctor cured me of malaria.

5. J met a boy. He was very cruel.

6. He does his best. He should be praised.

7. The man is honest. The man is trusted.

8. My father is dead. I loved my father.

9. The teacher sent for the boy. The boy came at once.

10. Wellington was a great general. He defeated Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo.

11. The dog bit the burglar. The burglar had broken into the house.

12. Once upon a time there lived a giant. The giant was very powerful and cruel.

13. We met a girl. The girl had lost her way.

14. Kalidas is famous. He wrote some fine dramas.

15. He is a rogue. No one trusts him.

16. The child is dead. The child came here yesterday.

17. The child is dead. I saw the child yesterday.

18. I know the man. He stole the bicycle.

19. The man stole the bicycle. He has been arrested.

20. I have found the umbrella. I lost it.

Exercise in Grammar 28

Tell which Pronouns in the following sentences are Reflexive and which Emphatic:-

[Emphatic Pronouns are also called Emphasizing Pronouns.]

1. I will go myself.

2. Rama has hurt himself.

3. We often deceive ourselves.

4. I myself heard the remark.

5. You express yourself very imperfectly.

6. I wash myself when I get up.

7. The boys hid themselves.

8. They have got themselves into a mess.

9. Boadicea poisoned herself.

10. They loved themselves so much that they thought of no one else.

11. The prisoner hanged himself.

12. The poor widow poisoned herself.

13. They enjoyed themselves.

14. Don't you deceive yourself?

15. I myself heard the remark.

16. He set himself a hard task.

17. We exerted ourselves.

18. The dog choked itself.

19. They gave themselves a lot of trouble.

20. We seldom see ourselves as others see us.

21. A house divided against itself cannot stand.

22. He that wrongs his friend wrongs himself more.

23. Some people are always talking about themselves.

Exercise in Grammar 

Name the Relative Pronouns in the following sentences, tell the case of each, and

mention its antecedent:-

1. The pen that you gave me is a very good one.

2. The answer which you gave is not right.

3. I know the woman whose child was hurt.

4. Bring me the letters which the postman left.

5. This is the house that Jack built.

6. Hari saw the man who had been hurt.

7. We met the sailors whose ship was wrecked.

8. Here are the books which I found.

9. The cat killed the rat that ate the com.

10. Bring me the books which lie on the table.

11. Here is the book that you lent me.

12. I hate children who are cruel.

13. Show me the knife that you have bought.

14. He has not brought the knife that I asked for.

15. Dogs soon know the persons by whom they are kindly treated.

16. This is the juggler whom we saw yesterday.

17. They that seek wisdom will be wise

Exercise in Composition 

Fill the blanks with suitable Relative Pronouns:-

1. We always like boys --- speak the truth.

2. We saw the dog --- worried the cat.

3. He ---, does his best shall be praised.

4. I know ---. you mean.

5. She has gone to Chennai, --- is her birthplace.

6. I have seen the bird --- you describe.

7. I do not know the man --- hit the boy.

10. Here is the pen --- you lost.

11. Most people get --- they deserve.

12. Time --- is lost is never found again.

13. I did not know the person --- called.

14. He is a man --- you can trust. .

15. Where is the book --- I gave you?

16. Is this the street --- leads to the station? .

17. The letter --- you wrote never arrived.

18. Listen to --- I say.

19. He --- is merciful shall meet mercy.

20. Did you receive the letter --- I sent yesterday?

21. --- I have said, I have said.

22. --- he was I could never find out.

23. --- do you believe him to be?

24. Do you know --- has happened?

25. --- is done cannot be undone.

26. Do the same --- I do.

27. For my purpose I need such a man --- he is.

28. God helps those --- help themselves.

29. No man can lose --- he never had.

30.You should not imitate such a boy --- he.

Exercise in Composition 

Fill the blanks with suitable Relative Pronouns:-

1. That man --- wilt not work must starve.

2. Such a man --- he should be honoured.

3. These mangoes are not such --- I bought yesterday.

4. It is not such a pretty place --- I had expected.

5. We have need of more such men --- he.

6. He plays the game --- he likes best.

7. I do not believe --- you say.

8. My uncle, --- I loved, is dead.

9. The farmer is cutting the corn--- has ripened.

10. --- you say is not true.

11. A lady --- I know nursed the child.

12. He says--- he means, and means --- he says.

13. --- pleases you wilt please me.

14. I gave it to the man --- I saw there.

15. I know --- you are seeking.

16. They --- touch pitch will be defiled.

17. You have not brought the book --- I asked for.

18. Only he --- bears the burden knows its weight.

19. Such books --- you read are not worth reading.

20. When you speak to him remember to --- you are speaking.

21. I regard that man as lost --- has lost his sense of shame.

22. Wealth is not his --- has it, but his --- enjoys it.

23. People --- are too sharp cut their own fingers.

24. Truth provokes those --- it does not convert.

25. We do not know --- he intends to do.

26. It is an ill wind --- blows nobody good,

27. Is this a dagger --- I see before me? .

28. I know to --- you are alluding.

29. --- the gods would destroy they first make mad.

30. He is the very man --- we want.

31. Place recite --- you have learned.

32. They always talk --- never think.

33. Such --- have pure hearts shall inherit the kingdom of heaven.

Exercise in Composition 

Join together each of the following pairs of sentences by means of a Connective:-

1. I know a man. The man has been to Iceland.

2. The thief stole the watch. The thief was punished.

3. Show the road. The road leads to Delhi.

4. Here is the doctor. The doctor cured me of malaria.

5. J met a boy. He was very cruel.

6. He does his best. He should be praised.

7. The man is honest. The man is trusted.

8. My father is dead. I loved my father.

9. The teacher sent for the boy. The boy came at once.

10. Wellington was a great general. He defeated Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo.

11. The dog bit the burglar. The burglar had broken into the house.

12. Once upon a time there lived a giant. The giant was very powerful and cruel.

13. We met a girl. The girl had lost her way.

14. Kalidas is famous. He wrote some fine dramas.

15. He is a rogue. No one trusts him.

16. The child is dead. The child came here yesterday.

17. The child is dead. I saw the child yesterday.

18. I know the man. He stole the bicycle.

19. The man stole the bicycle. He has been arrested.

20. I have found the umbrella. I lost it.

21. I saw a soldier. He had lost an arm.

22. This is the path. He came by this path.

23. The horse was lame. We saw the horse. . . .

24. Those boys were kept in. They had been very lazy.

25. I saw a girl. She was singing.

26. That boy bowls very well. You see him there.

27. Here is the book. You were asking for the book.

28. Here is the pencil. You lost it yesterday. .

29. The man is deaf. You spoke to the man.

30. Coal is found in Bengal. It is a very useful mineral.

Exercise in Composition 

Join together each of the following pairs of sentences by means of a Connective:-

1. This is the building. It was built in a single month.

2. The letter reached me this morning. You sent the letter.

3. Karim is always idle. He was punished.

4. I met my uncle. He had just arrived.

5. This is the house. Jack built it.

6. The boy is my cousin. You see him there.

7. The ladies have arrived. I was speaking of them.

8. The boys clapped heartily. They were watching the match.

9. The boy tells lies. He deserves to be punished.

10. I heard a song. The song pleased me.

13. Here is a book. The book contains pictures.

14. Give me the ruler. The ruler ts on the desk.

15. The bicycle is a new one. Hari rode it.

16. We got into a bus. It was full of people.

17. He has a friend. He is a clever artist.

18. He is a well-known man. His generosity is the talk of the town.

19. The cat caught the mouse. The cat was pursuing the mouse.

20. Can I borrow the book? You are reading it.

21. The boy was very proud. He had won the first prize.

22. Little Red Riding Hood went lo visit her grandmother. Her grand mother was ill in

bed.

23. This is my cousin. I was speaking of him.

24. We all despise a cowardly boy. He is one.

25. This is the cat. It killed the rat.

26. Those grapes were very sweet. You brought them.

27. Hari spoke to the soldier. The soldier's arm was in a sling.

28. The captain praised Balu. Balu's bowling was very good.

29. A man came running up. He heard me calling.

Exercise in Composition 

Split each of the following sentences into two:-

1. The boys gave a loud shout, which was heard across the river.

2. Bring me the book that is on the table.

3. It was a wretched hut in which she lived.

4. The boy who fell off his bicycle has hurt his leg.

5. The elephant 'hat was sick died.

6. The farmer is cutting the corn which has ripened.

7. Napoleon, whom (he French honour, died at St. Helena.

8. The crow dropped the cheese, which the fox immediately snapped up.

9. John, who is my cousin, is a diligent boy.

10. Where is the parcel that I left here yesterday?

11. I have found the book which I lost.

12. We visited Cox's Bazar, which is the most attractive spot in Bangladesh.

13. The boy whom you see there made the top score in the last match.

14. Dadabhai Naoroji, who was the First Indian to enter the British Parliament, was a

Parsee.

15. He is a poet whose works arc widely known.

16. The Taj Mahal, which was built by Shah Jahan, is the finest mausoleum in the world.

17. Last year we visited the Moti Masjid. which is a mosque of great architectural beauty.

18. The meeting, which was held in the Town Hall, was a great success.

19. The rope, which was old, snapped.

20. The task which you have to do is easy.

21. People who live in glass houses must not throw stones.

 GOOD LUCK DEARS

Personal Pronouns

PERSONAL PRONOUNS

Hari is absent, because Hari is ill.
But it is better to avoid the repetition of the Noun Hari, and say-
Hari is absent, because he is ill.
A word that is thus used instead of a noun is called a Pronoun {Pronoun means for-anoun.]

Def.- A Pronoun is a word used instead of a Noun.
118. Read the following sentences :-
I am young.
We are young.
You are young.
They are young.
He (she, it) is young.
I, we, you, he, (she, it), they are called Personal Pronouns because they stand for the three
persons.

(i) the person speaking. .
(ii) the person spoken to, and
(iii) the person spoken of.

The Pronouns I and we, which denote the person or persons speaking, are said to be
Personal Pronouns of the First Person

The Pronoun you, which denotes the person or persons spoken to, is said to be a Personal
Pronoun of the Second Person.

You is used both in the singular and plural
The pronouns he (she) and they, which denote the person or persons spoken of, are said
to be Personal Pronouns of the Third Person. although it denotes the thing spoken of,
is also called a Personal Pronoun of the Third Person. [The Personal Pronouns of the
Third Person are, strictly speaking, Demonstrative Pronouns.]

Forms of the Personal Pronouns

119. The following are the different forms of the Personal Pronouns :-
FIRST PERSON (Masculine or Feminine)

SINGULAR -- PLURAL
Nominative -- I -- We
Possessive -- my, mine -- our, ours
Accusative -- me -- us

SECOND PERSON (Masculine or Feminine)

SINGULAR/PLURAL
Nominative -- You
Possessive -- Your, Yours
Accusative -- You

THIRD PERSON

SINGULAR -- PLURAL
Masculine -- Feminine -- Neuter -- All Genders
Nominative -- he -- she -- it -- they
Possessive -- his -- her, hers -- its -- their, theirs
Accusative -- him -- her -- it -- them

Note 1.- It will be seen that the Possessive Cases of most of the Personal Pronouns have
two forms. Of these the forms my, our, your, her, their, are called Possessive Adjectives
because they are used with nouns and do the work of Adjectives; as,
This is my book.
Those are your books.
That is her book.

Possessive Adjectives are somethings called Pronominal Adjectives, as they are formed
from Pronouns.
Note 2.- The word his is used both as an Adjective and as a Pronoun; as
This is his book. (Possessive Adjective)
This book is his. (Possessive Pronoun)
In the following sentences the words in italics are Possessive Pronouns:-
This book is mine.
Those books are yours.
That book is hers.
That idea of yours is excellent.
120. The pronoun of the Third Person has three Genders :-
Masculine -- he
Feminine -- she
Neuter -- it
121. It- The Pronoun it is used-

(1) For things without life; as,

Here is your book; take it away.

(2) For animals, unless we clearly wish to speak of them as male and female; as,
He loves his dog and cannot do without it. The horse fell and broke its leg.

(3) For a young child, unless we clearly wish to refer to the sex; as,
When I saw the child it was crying.
That baby has torn its clothes.

(4) To refer to some statement going before; as,
He is telling what is not true; as he knows it.
He deserved his punishment; as he knew it.

(5) As a provisional and temporary subject before the verb to be when the real subject
follows; as,
It is easy to find fault. [To find fault is easy.]
It is doubtful whether he will come.
It is certain that you are wrong.

(6) To give emphasis to the noun or pronoun following; as,
It was you who began the quarrel.
It was I who first protested.
It was at Versailles that the treaty was made.
It is a silly fish that is caught twice with the same bail.
It is an ill wind [hat blows nobody good.

(7) As an indefinite nominative of an impersonal verb; as,
It rains.
It snows.
It thunders.
The Pronoun it here seems to stand for no noun whatever, though this can be readily
supplied from the verb. Thus, 'It rains' means 'The rain rains.'
It so used is called an Impersonal Pronoun. So also the verb rains is here called an
Impersonal Verb.

(8) In speaking of the weather or the time; as,
It is fine.
It is winter.
It is ten o'clock.

123. When a Pronoun (It will be noted that we use the word 'Pronoun' in § 123-128
without observing the distinction pointed out in § 119 between the forms, my, they, her,
our, your, their (which are called Possessive Adjectives) and the forms mine, thine, hers,
ours, yours, theirs (which are called Possessive Pronouns)) stands for a Collective Noun,
it must be in the Singular Number (and Neuter Gender) if the Collective Noun is viewed
as a whole; as,

The army had to suffer terrible privations in its march.
The fleet will reach its destination in a week.
The crew mutinied and murdered its officers.
After a few minutes the jury gave its verdict.
If the Collective Noun conveys the idea of separate individuals comprising the whole, the
Pronoun standing for it must be of the Plural Number; as,
The jury were divided in their opinions.
The committee decided the matter without leaving their seats.

124. When two or more Singular Nouns are joined by and, the Pronoun used for them
must be Plural; as,

Rama and Had work hard. They are praised by their teacher.
Both Sita and Savitri are tired; they have gone home.
But when two Singular Nouns joined by and refer to the same person or thing, the
Pronoun used must of course be Singular; as,
The Secretary and Treasurer is negligent of his duty.

125. When two Singular Nouns joined by and are preceded by each or every, the Pronoun
must be Singular; as,

Every soldier and every sailor was in his place.

126. When two or more Singular Nouns are joined by or or either...or, neither... nor, the
Pronoun is generally Singular; as,
Rama or Hari must lend his hand.
Either Sita or Amina forgot to take her parasol.
Neither Abdul nor Karim has done his lesson.

127. When a Plural Noun and a Singular Noun are joined by or or nor, the Pronoun must
be in the Plural; as

Either the manager or his assistants failed in their duty.

128. When a pronoun refers to more than one noun or pronoun of different persons, it
must be of the first person plural in preference to the third; as,
You and I have done our duty.
You and Hari have idled away your time.

129. Good manners require that we should say'
You and I' not 'I and you'.
'You and he' not 'he and you'.
'Hari and I' not 'I and Hari'.
'He and F not T and he'.
You and I must work together.
You and he must mend your ways.

Exercise in Composition 27

Write the correct form of pronoun in the following :-

1. We scored as many goals as ---. (They, them)
2. Rama and --- were present. (I, me)
3. Can you sing as well as ---? (They, them)
4. Let you and --- try what we can do. (I, me)
5. Wait for Hari and ---. (I, me)
6. You know that as well as ---. (I, me)
7. It was --- that gave you the alarm. (I, me)
8. Between you and ---, I do not believe him. (I, me)
9. We are not so poor as --- . (They, them)
10. Rama is as old as ---. (I, me)
11. He is known to my brother and ---. (I, me)
12. He is as good as ---. (I, am)
13. Nobody but --- was present, (He, him)
14. He and --- were great friends. (I, me)
15. Whom can I trust, if not ---? (He, him)
16. Let --- who can answer this question. (He, him)
17. There isn't much difference between you and ---. (He, him)
18. None so blind as --- that will not see. (They, them)
19. It isn't for such as --- to dictate to us. (They, them)

Several pictures illustrate the correct meaning of a number of frequently used prepositions

http://reallifeglobal.com/preposition-definitions/

THE PREPOSITION
1. Read the following sentences carefully.
     1. There is a cow in the field.
     2. He is fond of tea.
     3. The cat jumped of the chair.

In sentence 1, the word in shows the relation between two things - cow and field.
In sentence 2, the word of shows the relation between the attribute expressed by the
adjective fond and tea.
In sentence 3, the word off shows the relation between the action expressed by the verb
jumped and the chair.

2.The words in, of, off are here used as Prepositions.
Def.- A Preposition is a word placed before a noun or a pronoun to show in what relation
the person or thing denoted by it stands in regard to something else.
[The word Preposition means 'that which is placed before'.]
It will be noticed that:

  In sentence I, the Preposition joins a Noun to another Noun;
  In sentence 2, the Preposition joins a Noun to an Adjective;
  In sentence 3, the Preposition joins a Noun to a Verb.

3. The Noun or Pronoun which is used with a Preposition is called its Object. It is in
the Accusative case and is said to be governed by the Preposition.
Thus, in sentence 1, the noun field is in the Accusative case, governed by the Preposition
in.

4. A Preposition may have two or more objects; as,

    The road runs over hill and plain.

5.A Preposition is usually placed before its object, but sometimes it follows it; as,

     1. Here is the watch that you asked for.
     2. That is the boy (whom) I was speaking of.
     3. What are you looking at?
    4. What arc you thinking of?
    5. Which of these chairs did you sit on?

Note 1.- When the object is the Relative Pronoun that, as in sentence 1, the Preposition is
always placed at the end.
The Preposition is- often placed at the end when the object is an interrogative pronoun (as
in sentences 3, 4 and 5) or a Relative pronoun understood (as in sentence 2).
Note 2.- Sometimes the object is placed first for the sake of emphasis; as,
This I insist on. He is known all the world over.

6. The Prepositions for, from, in, on are often omitted before nouns of place or time;
as,
   We did it last week.
   I cannot walk a yard.
   Wait a minute.

Kinds of Prepositions
 Prepositions may be arranged in the following classes :-

1.Simple Prepositions

At, by, for, from, in, of, off, on, out, through, till, to, up, with.

(2) Compound Prepositions which are generally formed by prefixing a Preposition (usually a = no or be = by) to a Noun, an Adjective or an Adverb.)

About, above, across, along, amidst, among, amongst, around, before, behind, below,
beneath, beside, between, beyond, inside, outside, underneath, within, without.

(3) Phrase Prepositions (Groups of words used with the force of a singe
preposition.)
according to -- in accordance with -- in place of
agreeably to -- in addition to -- in reference to
along with -- in (on) behalf of -- in regard to
away from -- in case of -- in spite of
because of -- in comparison to -- instead of
by dint of -- in compliance with -- in the event of
by means of -- in consequence of -- on account of
by reason of -- in course of -- owing to
by virtue of -- in favour of -- with a view to
by way of -- in front of -- with an eye to
conformably to -- in lieu of -- with reference to
for the sake of -- in order to -- with regard to

Some examples of phrase prepositions

1. He succeeded by dint of perseverance and sheer hard work.
2. In case of need 'phone to No. 32567.
3. By virtue of the power vested in me, I hereby order, etc.
4. In consequence of his illness he could not finish the work in time.
5. Owing to his ill health, he retired from business.
6. With reference to your letter of date, we regret we cannot allow any further rebate.
7. In order to avoid litigation, he accepted Rs. 300 in full settlement of his claim for Rs.
8. In course of time he saw his mistake.
9. He died fighting on behalf of his country.
10. On behalf of the staff he read the address.
11. He persevered in spite of difficulties.
12. In the event of 'his dying without an issue, his nephew would inherit the whole property.
13. Instead of talking, prove your worth by doing something.
14. By reason of his perverse attitude, he estranged his best friends.
15. He acted according to my instructions.
16. Why don't you go along with your brother?
17. In accordance with your instructions, we have remitted the 'amount to your bankers.
18. There is a big tree in front of his house.
19. Agreeably to the terms of the settlement, we herewith enclose our cheque for Rs. 1000.
20. By way of introduction, he made some pertinent remarks.
21. By means of rope ladders they scaled the wall.
22. For the sake of their beliefs, the Puritans emigrated to America.
23. In course of his researches he met with many difficulties.
24. He abdicated the throne in favour of his eldest son.
25. He could not attend school because of his father's serious illness.
26. He accepted the car in lieu of his claim for Rs. 1,25,000.
27. With a view to an amicable settlement, we offer you without prejudice Rs. 750 in full settlement of all your claims up-to-date.
28. On account of his negligence the company suffered a heavy loss.
29. Whatever he does, he does with an eye to the main chance.

Exercise in Grammar 
Name the Preposition the following sentences, and tell the word which each governs:-

1. Little Jack Horner sat in a corner.
2. Old Mother Hubbard, she went to the cupboard.
3. The lion and the unicorn fought for the crown.
4. Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall.
5. Wee Willie Winkie runs through the town.
6. She sat by the fire, and told me a tale.
7. Rain, rain, go to Spain, and never come back again.
8. A fair little girl sat under a tree.
9. Such a number of rocks came over her head.
10. John Gilpin was a citizen of credit and renown.
11. “Will you walk into parlour?” said the spider to the fly.
12. Into the street the Piper step.
13. I can never return with my poor dog Tray.
14. He worked and sang from moon till night.
15. They all ran after the farmer’s wife, who cut off their tails with a carving knife.
16. One day the boy his break fast took, and ate it by a purling brook which through his
mother’s orchard ran.
17. Old John with white hair does laugh away care, sitting under the oak, among the old
folk.
18. They rise with the morning lark, and labour till almost dark.
19. By the Nine Gods he swore.
20. Under a spreading chestnut-tree the village smithy stands.
21. He goes on Sunday to church, and sits among his boys.
22. I bring fresh showers for the thirsting flowers, from the seas and the streams.
23. Her arms across her breast she laid.
24. Mine be a cot beside the hill.
25. Around my ivied porch shall spring each fragrant flower that drinks the dew.
26. One crowded hour of glorious life is worth an age without a name.
27. I tried to reason him out of his fears.

Exercise in Grammar 

Fill in the blanks with appropriate Prepositions:-
1. The Nizam subscribed a handsome sum --- the Flood Relief Fund.
2. His friends condoled --- him --- his bereavement.
3. He quarrelled --- me --- a trifle.
4. He readily complied --- my request.
5. He dispensed --- the services of his dishonest clerk.
6. He yielded --- superior force.
7. He despaired --- success.
8. He supplies the poor --- clothing.
9. His friends disagreed --- him on that point.
10. He acceded --- my request,
11. He abstains --- liquor.
12. He was found guilty --- manslaughter.
13. He is incapable --- doing good work.
14. He is married --- my cousin.
15. He is sensible --- your kindness,
16. He is true --- his king.
17. He is involved --- difficulties.
18. The auditor is entitled --- his remuneration.
19. I prefer tea --- coffee.
20. I don't concur --- you --- that opinion.
21. There is no exception --- this rule.
22. 1 am obliged --- you --- your kindness.
23. I am not envious --- his success.
24. I am convinced --- the necessity of prudence.
25. We should rely --- our own efforts.
26. I inquired --- the servant if his master was at home.
27. I purposely refrained --- saying more.
28. I insisted --- going.
29. I exchanged --- him my calculator --- a camera.
30. I assented --- his proposal.
31. I am not satisfied --- your explanation.
32. You must conform --- the regulations.
33. He did not profit --- experience.
34. We should all aim --- excellence.
35. Alcohol is injurious --- health.
Page 141
37. The stories in that book are full --- interest.
38. Don't associate --- disreputable people.
39. Do not indulge --- strong language.
40. He is grateful --- his master --- many favours.
41. He is dependent --- his parents.
42. He is abstemious --- eating and drinking.
43. He is prompt --- carrying out orders.
44. He is vain --- his attainments.
45. He is deficient --- common sense. .
46. He is vexed --- me.
47. He is indifferent --- his own interest.
48. He is proficient --- mathematics.
49. He is not ashamed --- his neighbours.
50. He is devoid --- sense.
51. He is suspicious --- all his neighbours.
52. He has a passion --- arguing.
53. Recently there has been a reduction --- the price of milk.
54. He proved false --- his friend.
55. A square may be equivalent --- a triangle.
56. The avaricious man is greedy --- gain.
57. He is very different --- his brother.
58. The head-dress of the Cossacks is similar --- that of the ancient Persians.
59. He was born --- humble parents in Nasik.
60. His views do not accord --- mine.

Exercise in Composition 

Fill in the blanks with appropriate Prepositions:-

1. Temperance and employment are conducive --- health.
2. A policeman rescued the child --- danger.
3. Dogs have antipathy --- cats.
4. He promised not to do anything repugnant --- the wishes of his parents.
5. He is not the man to allow any one to encroach --- his rights.
6. Some of the members of the Assembly complained --- increased military expenditure.
7. Even the enemies admit that he is endowed --- rare talents.
8. He inspires respect --- his friends.
9. Our path is beset --- difficulties.
10. He was not able to give a satisfactory explanation --- his absence.
11. His illness is a mere pretext --- his absence.
12. He has been very much indulgent --- his children.
13. This discussion is hardly relevant --- the subject
14. Contentment is essential --- happiness.
15. Early rising is beneficial --- health.
16. He is not likely to do anything detrimental --- our interests.
17. His benefactions must redound --- his credit.
18. Only graduates are eligible --- the post.
19. He is capable as a leader, but intolerant --- opposition.
20. Boys over sixteen are debarred --- competing.
21. Father Damien consecrated his life --- ameliorating the lot of lepers.
22. That rule is not applicable --- your case.
23. A public man should be tolerant --- criticism.
24. He is willing to make a concession --- the demands of his employees.
25. I often find him absorbed --- thought.
26. The accommodation is adequate --- our needs.
27. The hotel is adjacent --- the station.
28. The authorship of the book is wrongly ascribed --- him.
29. Never do anything that is not compatible --- public safety.
30. His father often connives --- his follies.
31. Some public men are very sensitive --- criticism.
32. He is addicted --- gambling.
33. You need not be afraid --- being late.
34. Death is preferable --- disgrace.
35. Cats are tenacious --- life.
36. It is not true that the study of science tends --- atheism.
37. Some films are an incitement --- crime.
38. He was angry --- me, because he thought my remark was aimed --- him.
39. The climate of Rangoon does not agree --- him.
40. His plans are adverse --- my interests.
41. The question of unemployment bristles --- difficulties.
42. Although he was bred --- the law, he became a successful journalist.
43. Generally, the rich are more covetous --- money than the poor.
44. He is still smarting --- rebuke.
45. He scoffed --- the idea of revolution.
46. He has reverted --- his former post.
47. The battle resulted --- a victory for the Allies.
48. He restored the article --- its rightful owner.
49. The whole theory rests --- no firmer foundation than mere conjecture.
50. The ultimate decision rests --- the board of directors.
51. Only when persuasions failed the police resorted --- force.
52. Superstitious fears preyed --- his mind and made him miserable.
53. He piques himself --- his artistic taste.
54. They now jeered --- him whom they had once acclaimed as their hero.
55. His followers now began to intrigue --- his adversary.
56. She interceded --- her husband on behalf of the people,
57. It is not easy to infer --- his account the real state of affairs.
58. He died without imparting --- anyone the secret of his process.
59. His statement was tantamount --- a confession.
60. The facts point --- a different explanation.
61. His friends prevailed --- him to withdraw his resignation.
62. Few boys are not amenable --- discipline.

Exercise in Composition 

Fill in the blanks with appropriate Prepositions:-
1. Silkworms feed --- mulberry trees.
2. Pavlova excels --- dancing.
3. The wild boar abounds --- some parts of Europe.
4. He has no special liking --- mathematics.
5. Asoka is worthy --- remembrance.
6. The godown is infested --- rats.
7. There is no exception --- this rule.
8. Nothing conduces --- happiness so much as contentment.
9. Alcohol is injurious --- health.
10. Oil is good --- burns.
11. Invalids are not capable --- continued exertion.
12. The British Parliament is composed --- two Houses.
13. Do no confide your secrets --- every one.
14. He is abstemious --- his habits.
15. He is ignorant --- what he pretends to know.
18. Birbal is celebrated --- his witty sayings.
19. The avaricious man is greedy --- gain.
20. The Atlantic separates Europe --- America.
21. Adam assigned --- every creature a name peculiar --- its nature.
22. Temperance and employment are conducive --- health.
23. A brave boy rescued the child --- danger.
24. Industry is the key --- success.
25. The customs were searching --- drugs at the airport.
26. Elizabeth knew how to inspire her soldiers --- hope.
27. Long indulgence --- vice impaired his once robust constitution,
28. Early rising is beneficial --- health.
29. We should live in a style suited --- our condition.
30. Examinations act as an incentive --- diligence.
31. Hard work and perseverance are indispensable --- success in life.
32. He is too miserly to part --- his money.
33. He is a clever man, but unfortunately diffident --- his powers.
34. Suddenly we were enveloped --- dense fog.
35. Many aspire --- greatness, but few attained.
36. His income is not adequate --- his wants.
37. The soil of Pune is favourable --- roses,
38. I am sick --- the whole business.
39. A car will he a great convenience --- a busy man like him.
40. Whoever acts contrary --- nature does not go unpunished.
41. The accident resulted --- the death of five people.
42. These derelict houses are reproach --- the city.
43. The Germans were called baby-killers and their methods of warfare stigmatized
as a reproach --- civilization.
44. The mule was partially relieved --- the load,
45. America has raised a tariff wall to protect home industries --- foreign competition.
46. The facts point --- a different conclusion.
47. Your wish is tantamount --- a command.
48. This state is committed --- the policy of total prohibition.
49. One is sure --- what one sees.
50. He is indifferent alike --- praise and blame.

Exercise in Composition 

Fill in the blanks with appropriate Prepositions:-
1. No doubt he has achieved much, but I cannot give him credit --- all that he boasts ---.
2. The despotism of custom is everywhere the standing hindrance --- human achievement.
3. He is indebted --- his friend --- a large sum.
4. What Dr. Arnold mainly aimed ---, was to promote the self-development of the young
minds committed --- his charge.
5. He was so much enamoured --- her that he forgot his duties --- his children.
6. It is difficult to agree --- those critics who ascribe the work of Shakespeare --- Bacon.
7. In his autobiography he refers --- his abhorrence --- animal diet.
8. He conversed --- us --- subjects --- varied interest.
9. The accident happened --- him --- a late hour and --- an out-of-the-way place.
10. A cashier is liable to, render account --- the money received --- him.
11. The soldiers --- the front were provided --- provisions to last them a year.
12. We are accountable --- God --- our action.
13. Let us vie --- one another --- doing good.
14. His thirst --- knowledge left him no leisure --- anything else.
15. The rich and the poor alike nobly responded --- the call --- further funds.
16. For those who suffer --- nerves the remedy lies --- perfect rest.
17. A slave lies --- the necessity --- obeying his master's orders.
18. The heir --- the throne was free --- physical or moral taint.
19. He impressed --- them that sorcery was vital --- their success.
20. Methylated spirit is spirit of wine made undrinkable by mixing it --- methyl to exempt
it --- duty.
21. To love our country, to be interested --- its concerns, is natural --- all men.
22. He complained --- his weak eyes and lamented the necessity --- spectacles.
23. Samudragupta was known --- his skill --- music and song; he was equally proficient --
- the allied art of poetry.
24. It is the grasping of power combined --- the thirst --- fame which constitutes
ambition.
25. It would be well for us to admire what is worthy --- admiration in such a people,
rather than to carp --- their errors.
26. The common fallacy is that intimacy dispenses --- the necessity of politeness. The
truth is just the opposite --- this.
27. The title Master was originally prefixed --- the name of a person of rank or learning;
it is now restricted --- boys.
28. This ticket will entitle you --- a free seat at the concert.
29. History, as well as daily experience, furnishes instances of men endowed --- the
strongest capacity --- business and affairs, who have all their lives crouched under slavery
to the grossest superstition.
30. He has no liking --- cards, and lately he has taken a dislike-outdoor exercise.
31. At first they refused to acquience --- the terms, but finally yielded --- the logic of
facts.
32. The hippopotamus feeds chiefly --- aquatic plants, but also seeks its food on
land and is sometimes destructive --- cultivated crops.
33. Learning is knowledge especially as acquired --- study; it is frequently contrasted ---
knowledge or wisdom gained --- experience.
34. At the eleventh hour he retired --- the contest, leaving the field open --- his opponent.
35. Coriolanus, with all his greatness, was entirely devoid --- all sympathy --- the people.
36. From this time he became habitually depressed and moody and addicted --- the
frequent use --- alcohol.
37. The first acts of the new administration were characterized rather --- vigour than ---
judgement.
38. They were statesmen accustomed --- the management --- great affairs.
39. Measure yourself --- your equals; and learn --- frequent competition the place which
nature has allotted --- you.
40. Contrary --- my instructions, he went --- his depth and would certainly have met --- a
fatal mishap but for the timely help rendered --- him.
                                                                                                                             Good luck dears !