August 12, 2014 CG Lessons CCSS 6-8, CG Lessons CCSS 9-12, ELA 6-8, ELA Resources - Activities, ELA 9-12, ELA Focus - Grammar, Core Grammar
By: Tiffany Rehbein
Humor is a wonderful element in any classroom. Misplaced pronouns are a common error, and albeit humorous, misplaced pronouns can lead to ambiguity and confusion in writing. For instance, “I saw a man with a dog; he was scratching his ear with his foot.”
There are two types of pronouns: subject pronouns, the subject of the sentence, and object pronouns, usually the object of a preposition. Determining the correct word choice gets tricky when a subject pronoun is used as a subject complement following a linking verb. Known as a predicate nominative, the form follows that of a subject pronoun. On the other hand, the object pronoun is used when following a preposition such as after, at, between, for, to, and with.
This week’s Common Core State Standard is L.6.1.A that states:
Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
a. Ensure that pronouns are in the proper case (subjective, objective, possessive).
There are many benefits to consistent exposure to correct use of pronouns. All writers want to avoid ambiguous statements. Download my Standardly Yours, Common Core Grammar Activity: Pronouns for students grades 6–12.