Choose The Pronoun That Correctly Replaces The Underlined Word.The Runners Were Thrilled When Speedy Shoes Offered The Runners Each A Free Pair Of Training Shoes.A. They B. Them C. Their D. There
Choosing the Correct Pronoun: A Guide to Replacing Underlined Words
Understanding Pronouns and Their Functions
Pronouns are words that replace nouns in a sentence, making it easier to express ourselves without repeating the same noun multiple times. They help to add variety and clarity to our language, making it more engaging and effective. However, choosing the correct pronoun can be a challenging task, especially when it comes to replacing underlined words. In this article, we will explore the different types of pronouns and provide guidance on how to choose the correct one to replace an underlined word.
Types of Pronouns
There are several types of pronouns, including:
- Personal pronouns: These are used to replace a specific person or thing, such as "I", "you", "he", "she", "it", "we", and "they".
- Possessive pronouns: These are used to show ownership or possession, such as "mine", "yours", "his", "hers", "its", "ours", and "theirs".
- Reflexive pronouns: These are used to refer back to the subject of the sentence, such as "myself", "yourself", "himself", "herself", "itself", "ourselves", and "themselves".
- Demonstrative pronouns: These are used to point out or indicate a specific person or thing, such as "this", "that", "these", and "those".
- Interrogative pronouns: These are used to ask questions, such as "who", "what", "which", "whom", and "whose".
- Indefinite pronouns: These are used to refer to a person or thing without specifying a particular one, such as "someone", "anyone", "everyone", "no one", and "nothing".
Choosing the Correct Pronoun
Now that we have covered the different types of pronouns, let's move on to choosing the correct one to replace an underlined word. In the given sentence, "The runners were thrilled when Speedy Shoes offered the runners each a free pair of training shoes," the underlined word is "runners". To choose the correct pronoun, we need to consider the context and the function of the word "runners" in the sentence.
Option A: They
The first option is "they". This pronoun is used to replace a plural noun, and in this case, "runners" is a plural noun. However, the sentence is referring to a specific group of people, and "they" is too general. Therefore, this option is not the best choice.
Option B: Them
The second option is "them". This pronoun is used to replace a plural noun, and in this case, "runners" is a plural noun. However, the sentence is referring to the recipients of the free shoes, and "them" is the correct choice because it is the object of the verb "offered".
Option C: Their
The third option is "their". This pronoun is used to show possession, and in this case, it is not the correct choice because the sentence is not referring to the possession of the runners.
Option D: There
The fourth option is "there". This pronoun is used to indicate a location or direction, and in this case, it is not the correct choice because the sentence is not referring to a location or direction.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the correct pronoun to replace an underlined word can be a challenging task, but by considering the context and the function of the word, we can make an informed decision. In the given sentence, the correct pronoun to replace "runners" is "them" because it is the object of the verb "offered". Remember, the key to choosing the correct pronoun is to understand the function of the word in the sentence and to consider the context in which it is used.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When choosing the correct pronoun, there are several common mistakes to avoid:
- Using the wrong type of pronoun: Make sure to use the correct type of pronoun, such as personal, possessive, reflexive, demonstrative, interrogative, or indefinite.
- Using a pronoun that is too general: Avoid using pronouns that are too general, such as "they" or "them", when the sentence is referring to a specific group of people.
- Using a pronoun that is not the object of the verb: Make sure to use a pronoun that is the object of the verb, such as "them" in the given sentence.
- Using a pronoun that is not the correct form: Make sure to use the correct form of the pronoun, such as "their" instead of "there".
Tips for Improving Your Pronoun Usage
To improve your pronoun usage, follow these tips:
- Read widely: Read a variety of texts, including fiction and nonfiction, to get a sense of how pronouns are used in different contexts.
- Practice, practice, practice: Practice using pronouns in your own writing and speaking to become more comfortable with their usage.
- Pay attention to context: Pay attention to the context in which a pronoun is used to ensure that you are using the correct one.
- Use a dictionary or grammar guide: Use a dictionary or grammar guide to check the usage of pronouns and to learn more about their functions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the correct pronoun to replace an underlined word can be a challenging task, but by considering the context and the function of the word, we can make an informed decision. By following the tips and avoiding common mistakes, we can improve our pronoun usage and become more effective communicators. Remember, the key to choosing the correct pronoun is to understand the function of the word in the sentence and to consider the context in which it is used.
Pronoun Q&A: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Understanding Pronouns and Their Functions
Pronouns are words that replace nouns in a sentence, making it easier to express ourselves without repeating the same noun multiple times. They help to add variety and clarity to our language, making it more engaging and effective. However, choosing the correct pronoun can be a challenging task, especially when it comes to replacing underlined words. In this article, we will explore some frequently asked questions and answers about pronouns.
Q: What is the difference between "they" and "them"?
A: "They" is a pronoun used to replace a singular or plural noun, while "them" is a pronoun used to replace a plural noun as the object of a verb. For example, "The runners were thrilled when Speedy Shoes offered them a free pair of training shoes." In this sentence, "them" is the correct pronoun because it is the object of the verb "offered".
Q: How do I choose between "their" and "there"?
A: "Their" is a possessive pronoun used to show ownership or possession, while "there" is an adverb used to indicate a location or direction. For example, "Their shoes were left on the floor" (possessive pronoun) and "Put the book over there on the table" (adverb). To choose between "their" and "there", ask yourself if you are showing ownership or possession, or if you are indicating a location or direction.
Q: What is the difference between "who" and "whom"?
A: "Who" is an interrogative pronoun used to ask questions about a person or people, while "whom" is an object pronoun used to refer to a person or people as the object of a verb. For example, "Who is going to the party?" (interrogative pronoun) and "Whom did you invite to the party?" (object pronoun).
Q: How do I use reflexive pronouns correctly?
A: Reflexive pronouns are used to refer back to the subject of a sentence, such as "myself", "yourself", "himself", "herself", "itself", "ourselves", and "themselves". For example, "I cut myself while shaving" (reflexive pronoun) and "They hurt themselves while playing sports" (reflexive pronoun).
Q: What is the difference between "it" and "its"?
A: "It" is a pronoun used to replace a singular noun, while "its" is a possessive pronoun used to show ownership or possession. For example, "It is a beautiful day" (pronoun) and "The cat chased its tail" (possessive pronoun).
Q: How do I use demonstrative pronouns correctly?
A: Demonstrative pronouns are used to point out or indicate a specific person or thing, such as "this", "that", "these", and "those". For example, "This is my favorite book" (demonstrative pronoun) and "Those are my friends" (demonstrative pronoun).
Q: What is the difference between "someone" and "anyone"?
A: "Someone" is an indefinite pronoun used to refer to a person or people, while "anyone" is an indefinite pronoun used to refer to a person or people in a general sense. For example, "Someone is at the door" (indefinite pronoun) and "Anyone can apply for the job" (indefinite pronoun).
Conclusion
In conclusion, pronouns are an essential part of our language, and choosing the correct one can be a challenging task. By understanding the different types of pronouns and their functions, we can improve our language skills and become more effective communicators. Remember, the key to choosing the correct pronoun is to understand the function of the word in the sentence and to consider the context in which it is used.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When using pronouns, there are several common mistakes to avoid:
- Using the wrong type of pronoun: Make sure to use the correct type of pronoun, such as personal, possessive, reflexive, demonstrative, interrogative, or indefinite.
- Using a pronoun that is too general: Avoid using pronouns that are too general, such as "they" or "them", when the sentence is referring to a specific group of people.
- Using a pronoun that is not the object of the verb: Make sure to use a pronoun that is the object of the verb, such as "them" in the given sentence.
- Using a pronoun that is not the correct form: Make sure to use the correct form of the pronoun, such as "their" instead of "there".
Tips for Improving Your Pronoun Usage
To improve your pronoun usage, follow these tips:
- Read widely: Read a variety of texts, including fiction and nonfiction, to get a sense of how pronouns are used in different contexts.
- Practice, practice, practice: Practice using pronouns in your own writing and speaking to become more comfortable with their usage.
- Pay attention to context: Pay attention to the context in which a pronoun is used to ensure that you are using the correct one.
- Use a dictionary or grammar guide: Use a dictionary or grammar guide to check the usage of pronouns and to learn more about their functions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, pronouns are an essential part of our language, and choosing the correct one can be a challenging task. By understanding the different types of pronouns and their functions, we can improve our language skills and become more effective communicators. Remember, the key to choosing the correct pronoun is to understand the function of the word in the sentence and to consider the context in which it is used.