Subject Pronouns in English: Definition, List, and Examples

Here’s a quick look at subject pronouns in English, with a handy list and some easy examples to show you how they work. Let’s dive in…

What is a subject pronoun?

A subject pronoun is a word we use instead of a name or noun when it’s the subject of the sentence. It helps us keep things simple and avoid repeating the same words. You’ll hear and use subject pronouns all the time in English, especially in everyday conversation. They’re one of the first things ESL learners get taught — and once you get the hang of them, they’re easy to use!.

Let’s go back to basics to begin with…

 

A basic sentence structure is subject + verb + object.

• The subject is the person/thing that performs the action (performs the verb).
• The verb is the action that is being performed (the movement).
• The object is the person/thing that receives the action.

So, as you can probably guess…the subject pronoun replaces the subject of a sentence.

 

Look at the pictures below, which sentence sounds better to you?

My house is big, and my house is new.

My house is big, and it is new.

I think we can all agree that sentence B sounds better, it’s not repetitive and it flows. Sentence B replaces the noun ‘my house’ with the subject pronoun ‘it’ to avoid repetition.

list of subject pronouns

Here are the the subject pronouns we use in English.

 

 

Note: In English, “you” is used for both singular and plural.

examples of subject pronouns with pictures

Want to see subject pronouns in action? These picture examples show how subject pronouns can replace nouns in real sentences. It’s a simple way to learn and remember how they work — and a great visual reminder to keep things clear and natural when you’re speaking or writing.

I love junk food and fizzy drinks.

You must unblock the toilet now.

He is hot.

She forgot her keys again.

It is on the top shelf.

We always play football after school.

You must be careful with that spell.

They are such a messy family.

subject pronoun quizzes

Ready to test what you’ve learnt? These quick subject pronoun quizzes are a fun way to practise using the right words in real sentences. They’ll help you build confidence and remember subject pronouns without overthinking. Have a go and see how many you get right!

Keep Learning: Explore More English Grammar Guides

Enjoyed this page? Check out our other grammar pages to keep learning — especially our guides on object pronouns, possessive pronouns, and reflexive pronouns. They’re just as simple, clear, and full of helpful examples!