Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Pronoun case is a fundamental aspect of English grammar, dictating the form a pronoun takes depending on its function in a sentence. Errors in pronoun case, while seemingly minor, can significantly impact clarity and grammatical accuracy. The sentence "Let him and I go together" is a common example of such an error, often arising from a misunderstanding of subject and object pronouns. This answer will dissect the sentence, identify the incorrect pronoun, explain the relevant grammatical rule, and provide the corrected version.
Identifying the Error
The sentence "Let him and I go together" contains an error in pronoun case. The pronoun "I" is a subjective pronoun, used when the pronoun is the subject of a verb. In this sentence, "I" is part of a compound object of the preposition "let".
Understanding Pronoun Case
Pronouns change form depending on their function in a sentence. There are three main cases:
- Subjective Case: Used when the pronoun is the subject of a verb (e.g., I, he, she, we, they).
- Objective Case: Used when the pronoun is the object of a verb or a preposition (e.g., me, him, her, us, them).
- Possessive Case: Shows ownership (e.g., my, his, her, our, their).
The Rule for Compound Objects
When a pronoun is part of a compound object (meaning it's joined with another object by "and" or "or"), it should be in the objective case. A simple trick to determine the correct pronoun is to remove the other person from the sentence. If the sentence still sounds correct with just the pronoun, it's the correct case.
Applying the Rule to the Sentence
Let's apply this to the original sentence. If we remove "him", the sentence becomes "Let I go together." This clearly sounds incorrect. Now, let's try "me": "Let me go together." This sounds grammatically correct. Therefore, "me" is the correct pronoun to use.
Corrected Sentence
The correct sentence is: "Let him and me go together."
Further Clarification
The confusion often arises because people incorrectly apply the rules for subject pronouns. However, prepositions like "let" (in this context) require objective case pronouns as their objects. It's important to remember that "let" functions as an imperative verb here, taking an object.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the original sentence "Let him and I go together" is grammatically incorrect due to the misuse of the subjective pronoun "I" where the objective pronoun "me" is required. Understanding the rules of pronoun case, particularly when dealing with compound objects, is crucial for clear and accurate English communication. The corrected sentence, "Let him and me go together," demonstrates the proper application of these grammatical principles.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.