In English grammar, case shows the role a noun or pronoun plays in a sentence. Modern English mainly uses three cases: the subjective case, the possessive case, and the objective case. Pronouns display these cases most clearly (for example: I / me / my / mine).
1. Subjective Case
Definition
The subjective case (also called the nominative case) is used when a noun or pronoun functions as the subject of a verb — that is, when it performs the action or is described by the verb.
Subjective Pronouns
Common subjective pronouns include: I, we, you, he, she, it, they.
Examples
- I am going to the market.
- He runs very fast.
- They are my classmates.
- We will help you.
2. Possessive Case
Definition
The possessive case shows ownership, relationship, or belonging. Nouns usually form possession with an apostrophe + s (for example, John's book) or with an apostrophe after a plural s (for example, girls' hostel). Pronouns have special possessive forms.
Possessive Forms
Possessive forms include:
- Possessive nouns: the boy's pen, the dogs' yard
- Possessive determiners (used before nouns): my, your, his, her, its, our, their
- Independent possessive pronouns (stand alone): mine, yours, his, hers, ours, theirs
Examples
- This is John's car.
- That is my book.
- The red pen is mine.
- The children are playing in their garden.
The possessive case answers the question: Whose?
3. Objective Case
Definition
The objective case is used when a noun or pronoun functions as the object of a verb or a preposition. Objects receive the action rather than performing it.
Types of Objects
- Direct object: receives the action directly (e.g., "She called him").
- Indirect object: receives the benefit of the action (e.g., "She gave us a gift").
- Object of a preposition: follows a preposition (e.g., "They waited for her").
Objective Pronouns
Common objective pronouns: me, us, you, him, her, it, them.
Examples
- She invited me to the party. (direct object)
- The teacher gave us homework. (indirect object)
- We waited for him. (object of preposition)
- The dog followed them home.
4. Quick Comparison
| Case | Function | Common Pronouns |
|---|---|---|
| Subjective | Subject of the verb | I, we, you, he, she, it, they |
| Possessive | Shows ownership/belonging | my/mine, our/ours, your/yours, his, her/hers, its, their/theirs |
| Objective | Object of verb or preposition | me, us, you, him, her, it, them |
5. Common Usage Notes
- Use the objective case after prepositions: "between you and me", not "between you and I".
- Remember it's (contraction of "it is") versus its (possessive form): "It's raining" vs. "The cat licked its paw."
- When two subjects or objects appear together, make sure each pronoun follows the correct case: "She and I went to the park." versus "The teacher scolded him and me."
6. Practice Exercises
- Choose the correct form: "Between you and (I / me), which is better?"
- Rewrite with the correct possessive: "(She / Her) book is on the table."
- Choose the objective form: "The coach praised (he / him) after the game."
Answers
- me — "Between you and me, which is better?"
- Her — "Her book is on the table."
- him — "The coach praised him after the game."
Conclusion
Understanding subjective, possessive, and objective cases helps you choose the correct pronoun form and write clear, grammatical sentences. Practice with examples and pay attention to pronouns after verbs and prepositions to build confidence.
