The difference between “him” and “he” lies in their grammatical functions within a sentence. Both “him” and “he” are pronouns, but they are used differently based on whether they serve as the subject or the object of a sentence.
- “He“:
- “He” is a subject pronoun used when referring to a male person or entity acting in a sentence.
- Example: “He is going to the store.” (In this sentence, “he” is the subject acting like going.)
- “Him“:
- “Him” is an object pronoun used when referring to a male person or entity receiving the action in a sentence.
- Example: “I gave the book to him.” (In this sentence, “him” is the object receiving the action of giving.)
He is the most commonly used pronoun in English in conversation and text. Pronouns like she, he, it, we, they, and more make writing and talking easy. Most of us get confused about the usage of he and him. In this article, we have clearly explained how to use the pronouns him and he.
He vs Him: Usage
The function of a pronoun depends on the case of a pronoun. When the subject is a pronoun, then a subjective pronoun is used. He is the subject case of a pronoun that is used when the pronoun performs a specific action. Him is used when the pronoun receives an action done by the objective case.
For example: She hit him on his eyes.
In the given example, she refers to the subjective case of pronoun, and he refers to the person receiving the action from the subjective pronoun.
- The flowers were given to him.
- I met him and his best friend at a party last week.
- I know him and his boss.
- He and his sister are very mischievous.
The toughest part is determining when to use subjective and objective pronouns. This becomes more difficult when it is unclear whether the pronoun is used in the verb’s object or the preposition’s object.
Position in Sentence
- Him: “Him” typically appears after a verb or preposition in a sentence.
- He: “He” usually appears at the beginning of a sentence or follows a verb as the subject.
Object vs. Subject
- Him: “Him” is used as the object of a verb or preposition, indicating the recipient or target of an action.
- He: “He” is used as the subject of a verb or clause, indicating the doer or performer of an action.
Pronoun Case
- Him: “Him” is considered to be in the objective case.
- He: “He” is considered to be in the subjective case.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between “him” and “he” is fundamental for effective communication in English. While both are pronouns used to refer to male subjects or objects, their usage depends on their grammatical function within a sentence. “He” is employed as the subject acting, whereas “him” is utilized as the object receiving the action.
By correctly using “him” and “he,” individuals can articulate their thoughts and ideas accurately, ensuring clarity and precision in their communication. Whether speaking or writing, applying these pronouns correctly enhances language proficiency and facilitates seamless interaction in various contexts.
A solid grasp of grammatical principles, such as the distinction between “him” and “he,” contributes to effective communication skills, empowering individuals to express themselves confidently and proficiently in English.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When should I use “him”?
A: “Him” should be used when referring to a male person or animal as the recipient of an action or the object of a preposition.
Q: Can “he” and “him” be used interchangeably?
A: No, “he” and “him” cannot be used interchangeably. “He” is used as the subject of a sentence, while “him” is used as the object.
Q: How do I know when to use “he” or “him”?
A: Use “he” when referring to a male person or animal as the subject of a sentence or clause. Use “him” when referring to a male person or animal as the object of a verb or preposition.
Q: What is the difference between “he” and “him” in terms of pronoun case?
A: “He” is in the subjective case and is used as the subject of a sentence. “Him” is in the objective case and is used as the object of a verb or preposition.