Overview

Pronouns

A pronoun usually refers to something already mentioned in a sentence or piece of text. They are a sub class of nouns used to prevent repetition of the noun to which they refer. One of the most common pronouns is it.

Example (Singular):

Without a pronoun:

The train was late, the train had been delayed. (Sounds horrid doesn't it?)

With a pronoun:

The train was late, it had been delayed. (Much better!)

In this example the train is singular, therefore the pronoun must be singular also - it.

Example (Plural):

Without a pronoun:

The trains were late, the trains had been delayed. (Sounds horrid doesn't it?)

With a pronoun:

The trains were late, they had been delayed. (Much better!)

In this example the trains are plural, therefore the pronoun must be plural also - they.