using him in a sentence

Guri Bee

2 min read

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20-10-2024

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"Him" in a Sentence: A Guide to Using This Pronoun Correctly

The pronoun "him" is a simple word, but its proper usage can be a bit tricky. Many people confuse "him" with "he," leading to grammatical errors. This article will explore the correct way to use "him" in sentences, providing clear examples and addressing common mistakes.

What is "him"?

"Him" is a personal pronoun, specifically an objective case pronoun. This means it is used as the object of a verb or preposition. In simpler terms, "him" is used when someone is receiving the action of the verb or being acted upon.

How to Use "Him" Correctly

Here are some examples of how "him" can be used:

• Direct Object: The teacher gave him a high grade. (Here, "him" receives the action of the verb "gave").
• Indirect Object: She sent him a letter. (Here, "him" is the recipient of the action).
• Object of a Preposition: The dog ran towards him. (Here, "him" is the object of the preposition "towards").

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using "him" as a subject: "Him went to the store" is incorrect. The subject of a sentence should be in the nominative case, which would be "he" in this instance. Correct sentence: "He went to the store."
• Using "him" after a linking verb: "The person at the door is him" is incorrect. After a linking verb (such as "is", "are", "was", "were", etc.), the pronoun should be in the nominative case. Correct sentence: "The person at the door is he."

Tips for Using "Him" Correctly

• Think about the action: Ask yourself who is receiving the action of the verb or preposition. That's who you will use "him" for.
• Check for linking verbs: If you have a linking verb, make sure to use the nominative case (e.g., "he", "she", "they").
• Practice: The best way to master pronoun usage is to practice writing and speaking.

Resources for Further Learning

For more detailed information on pronoun usage, you can consult these resources:

• Grammarly: https://www.grammarly.com/ - This online tool provides helpful grammar and spelling suggestions.
• Purdue OWL: https://owl.purdue.edu/ - A great resource for grammar rules and writing tips.

Conclusion

Understanding the proper usage of "him" is essential for clear and grammatically correct writing and speaking. By following the guidelines outlined above, you can ensure your sentences are grammatically sound and effectively convey your intended message.