Class 8 English Grammar – Complete Guide to Pronouns
Understanding pronouns is crucial to mastering English grammar, especially in Class 8. Pronouns help avoid repetition, improve sentence flow, and make communication more effective. In this guide, students will learn everything about pronouns, from their types and definitions to real-life usage and examples.
If grammar seems tricky, PlanetSpark’s Class 8 English Grammar Course is an ideal solution for students across all educational boards. It offers one-on-one live sessions with expert trainers, personalised learning paths, and engaging tools like SparkX and SparkBee. Students don’t just learn grammar, they apply it through storytelling, public speaking, debates, and creative writing activities.
Introduction to Pronouns for Class 8
Consider the following example:
Nora has a pet Labrador named Pogo. Nora takes it for a walk every day in the evening. Pogo is very special to Nora.
Do these sentences sound grammatically correct? Technically, yes, but stylistically, the repeated use of “Nora” makes the sentences sound dull and monotonous. In English, we avoid repeating the same noun in every sentence. Instead, we use pronouns.
Let’s rewrite them using pronouns:
Nora has a pet Labrador named Pogo. She takes it for a walk every day in the evening. Pogo is very special to her.
Here, "she" and "her" replace the noun "Nora." These are examples of pronouns, words that help avoid redundancy and keep the writing smooth and effective.
Pronouns are not a difficult topic but need to be understood in greater detail when it comes to learning about them when your child is in Class 8. Register for a free trial class and learn more.
What Are Pronouns?
According to Merriam-Webster, a pronoun is a word used instead of a noun or noun phrase, especially to avoid repetition of a name or noun previously mentioned.
Pronouns are useful tools in both written and spoken English. They add variety to language, prevent redundancy, and help express ideas clearly and concisely.
Common examples include: I, me, she, he, him, her, it, we, they, them, their, yours
Pronouns are essential for:
- Maintaining sentence flow
- Avoiding repetitive noun use
- Enhancing communication effectiveness
Example: Kamal woke up early today. Kamal didn’t want to miss Kamal’s morning class.
With pronouns: Kamal woke up early today. He didn’t want to miss his morning class.
With gamified learning methodology, PlanetSpark helps your child understand and adopt the usage of pronouns for everyday speech and interaction. Join here for a free session to experience it first hand!
Types of Pronouns for Class 8 Students
In Class 8 CBSE English, you will explore nine types of pronouns, each with its unique usage. Mastering all types is crucial for effective communication, comprehension, and writing. Let’s understand each type with definitions, examples, and sample sentences.
1. Personal Pronouns
Definition: Personal pronouns refer to specific persons, things, or groups. They represent the speaker (first person), the one spoken to (second person), or the one spoken about (third person).
Examples: I, we, you, he, she, it, they, me, him, her, us, them
Types:
- Singular: I, you, she, he, it
- Plural: we, you, they, them
Sentences:
- Rita is a good girl. She respects her parents.
- We went to that restaurant again for the delicious food.
- The students created a ruckus as they wanted a longer recess.
2. Possessive Pronouns
Definition: These pronouns indicate ownership or possession of something.
Examples: mine, yours, his, hers, ours, theirs, its
Types:
- Singular: mine, yours, his, hers
- Plural: ours, yours, theirs
Note: Possessive pronouns agree in number and gender with the noun they replace.
Sentences:
- This pencil must be hers.
- Our project was more detailed than theirs.
- That backpack is mine, and this one is yours.
3. Relative Pronouns
Definition: Relative pronouns connect dependent clauses to independent clauses. They also act as subjects or objects within the relative clause.
Examples: who, whom, whose, which, that
Sentences:
- Ram is a friend who has always supported me.
- I wanted to buy an apartment that had a garden.
- Sit in the car which is parked by the gate.
4. Reflexive Pronouns
Definition: Reflexive pronouns refer back to the subject when the subject and the object are the same.
Examples: myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourselves, themselves
Types:
- Singular: myself, yourself, itself
- Plural: ourselves, yourselves, themselves
Sentences:
- She went to the movies all by herself.
- The pufferfish puffs itself to scare predators.
- They completed the entire task by themselves.
5. Indefinite Pronouns
Definition: Indefinite pronouns refer to nonspecific people, places, or things.
Examples: someone, anyone, nothing, several, few, both, many, everything
Types:
- Singular: anybody, each, everyone, nothing, somebody
- Plural: both, few, many, others, several
Sentences:
- Everyone was shocked by the change in weather.
- Something smells really fishy.
- Many students chose to submit their projects early.
6. Demonstrative Pronouns
Definition: Demonstrative pronouns are used to point to specific people or things.
Examples: this, that, these, those
Types:
- Singular: this, that
- Plural: these, those
Sentences:
- This is the place I was talking about.
- That dog is extremely friendly.
- Those are my books from last year.
7. Interrogative Pronouns
Definition: Used to ask questions that demand answers about people or things.
Examples: who, whom, whose, what, which
Sentences:
- What is your name?
- Why are you here today?
- Whose pencil is this on the desk?
8. Intensive Pronouns
Definition: These pronouns add emphasis to a noun or another pronoun. They are not necessary to the sentence’s core meaning.
Examples: myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourselves, themselves
Sentences:
- The principal himself gave the award.
- You yourself admitted your mistake.
- The singer composed all the songs herself.
9. Reciprocal Pronouns
Definition: Reciprocal pronouns are used to express mutual actions or feelings between two or more people.
Examples: each other, one another
Sentences:
- Friends should trust each other.
- The teammates supported one another throughout the match.
- Animals in the herd protected each other from danger.
Learning about pronouns and its types is just the start, understand how you can use them for everyday interaction with people around you. Start with a free session for your child.
Learn Pronouns and More with PlanetSpark
Learning Class 8 English Grammar becomes effective and enjoyable with the right support. At PlanetSpark, students learn from expert trainers who personalise every session according to the student’s needs.
Here’s why parents and students prefer PlanetSpark:
- 1:1 Personal Trainers provide live guidance, correction, and positive reinforcement.
- Personalised Learning Paths adjust based on student performance and growth.
- AI-Powered SparkX gives detailed insights on voice, grammar, and confidence.
- Gamified Tools like Grammar Guru and SparkBee make learning fun.
- Spark Diary encourages daily writing with creative prompts.
- Learning Clubs include Debate Club, Story Circle, Writers Guild, Podcasting Club, and more.
- Sparkline Platform lets kids share performances in a safe environment.
- Creative Competitions include speech contests, open mics, TEDx talks, and storytelling shows.
- Parent-Teacher Meetings share progress and actionable feedback.
- Progress Reports track grammar, confidence, voice, creativity, and clarity.
- SparkShop eBooks give access to rich grammar content in digital format.
Conclusion
Pronouns play a foundational role in sentence structure, communication, and writing fluency. By understanding all types and practising their usage, students can significantly improve their English skills. From school tests to storytelling, the correct use of pronouns helps you sound confident and clear.
If you want your child to build a solid foundation in grammar and beyond, PlanetSpark’s English course for Class 8 is the ideal choice. Explore fun learning, measurable outcomes, expert mentors, and real-world exposure all under one platform. Begin with a free trial session to gain an understanding of your child's potential with PlanetSpark.
FAQs – Class 8 English Grammar: Pronouns
1. What are pronouns in English grammar?
Pronouns are words used instead of nouns to avoid repetition. Examples include he, she, it, they, etc.
2. Why are pronouns important in Class 8 grammar?
They help construct clear and less repetitive sentences, improving fluency and writing quality.
3. How many types of pronouns are there in Class 8?
There are 9 types: personal, possessive, relative, reflexive, indefinite, demonstrative, interrogative, intensive, and reciprocal.
4. What’s the difference between reflexive and intensive pronouns?
Both use similar words but differ in usage. Reflexive pronouns refer back to the subject, while intensive ones emphasize it.
5. What are gender-neutral pronouns?
“They,” “them,” and “their” are commonly used as gender-neutral pronouns for non-binary individuals.
6. Where can I practise pronouns with real-time feedback?
Join PlanetSpark live classes and use SparkX for AI-enabled grammar analysis and feedback.
7. Can I learn grammar through fun activities?
Yes! PlanetSpark offers gamified learning, SparkBee quizzes, and creative clubs to make grammar exciting and interactive.
8. Do pronouns have to agree with the nouns they replace?
Yes, pronouns must match the number (singular/plural), gender, and case of the nouns they replace.
9. How can I improve my pronoun usage in writing?
Read more, write regularly, and seek feedback through tools like Spark Diary and SparkX on PlanetSpark.
10. Can pronouns refer to animals or objects?
Yes. For example, use “it” for a pet or object when the gender is not specified.