Personal Pronoun Chart (Page 2 of 4) in pdf

Personal Pronoun Chart Page 2

that we do not use an apostrophe with a pronoun to show ownership. I point out that the singular reflexive pronouns end in self, the

plural in selves.

I point out the first column are called subject pronouns; the second, object; the third and fourth, possessive; the last, reflexive. After

this activity, I would assign them to read about pronouns in the book.

In a follow-up activity, we would tie this knowledge of pronouns to the rhetorical consideration of point of view:

1. We use first person when the writer/speaker is writing about the self. In other words, the writer/speaker is part of the

subject.

2. We use second person in giving commands or directions, or when we wish to make a personal connection with the audience

(for example, emails, text messages, letters). In second person, the writer/speaker is writing or talking to the audience.

3. We use third person when our focus on a subject that is not the writer/speaker. Thus we use third person to write about

someone or something else.

To drive home the point about person, ask students to explain to someone else how to do a very simple procedure. (It can even be

brushing their teeth. The subject is not important here. Tell them that the emphasis is on talking directly to the audience.) These

instructions will elicit second person.

Next, have them write up the same process, but this time put the focus on themselves, that this is their own individual way of

completing this task. This attempt should elicit 1

person because it is my way of completing the task.

Finally, ask them to write up this short process one more time, emphasizing that this is someone else’s way, eliciting 3

person.

Compare the drafts. What difference in effect do they see?

Of course, the most common shift in person for inexperienced writers is shifting into the use of the generalized you (2

person).

Remind them of the rhetorical focus of each person.

Personal Pronoun Chart Page 2