Basic Details
Word: Pronoun
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A word used in place of a noun to avoid repetition, such as 'he,' 'she,' 'it,' or 'they.'
Synonyms: Substituent, Replacement
Antonyms: Noun
Idioms and Phrases
- Before you point the finger: This phrase can remind us to be careful how we assign blame, similar to how pronouns replace nouns without repeating their mention. Example: "Before you point the finger, remember that everyone makes mistakes."
- Mind your p's and q's: While this phrase refers to being careful with one's behaviour and manners, it can also suggest the importance of clarity in language, much like the role of pronouns in replacing nouns. Example: "In your essay, be sure to mind your p's and q's to avoid confusion."
Usage Examples
Example 1: Sarah said she would bring her book later; 'she' is a pronoun that replaces Sarah's name.
Example 2: Instead of saying "The cat is sleeping, and the cat is dreaming," we can say "The cat is sleeping, and it is dreaming," using 'it' as a pronoun.
Example 3: In the sentence "James and I went to the park; we had a great time," 'we' is a pronoun that stands in for James and me.
Fun Fact
Did you know that the word "pronoun" comes from Latin? It is derived from the word 'pronomen,' meaning "for a name," and has been used in the English language since the 14th century!
Famous Quote
"Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind." Rudyard Kipling
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "pronoun" mean?
a) A type of adjective
b) A word used in place of a noun
c) A common verb
d) A type of adverb
Answer: b) A word used in place of a noun
2. Which of these is a synonym of "pronoun"?
a) Substituent
b) Noun
c) Verb
d) Adjective
Answer: a) Substituent
3. What is an antonym of "pronoun"?
a) Adverb
b) Noun
c) Conjunction
d) Preposition
Answer: b) Noun
4. Which sentence correctly uses a pronoun?
a) The dog barked and it ran away.
b) The dog barked and the dog ran away.
c) The dog barked to the cat.
d) The dog is barking bright.
Answer: a) The dog barked and it ran away.
5. Which idiom conveys a caution similar to how we use pronouns for careful expression?
a) Mind your p's and q's
b) A stitch in time saves nine
c) Birds of a feather flock together
d) Bite the bullet
Answer: a) Mind your p's and q's
