Him: The Object Form of He

ByKhamis Maiouf
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Quick Answer

Him is the object form of he, usually referring to one man or boy. Practise call him, help him, with him and next to him.

Example: I called him yesterday.

HIM in Action — See the Pattern

  • I called him yesterday. — Him is the object of called.
  • Give him the keys. — He will receive the keys.
  • Sit next to him. — Use him after next to.

When to Use HIM

The pair is he as subject and him as object: He helped Sara. Sara helped him. Make it clear which person him refers to by naming the person or using a clear situation.

Use him after verbs that take an object, such as see, call and help. Use it after prepositions too: for him, to him, with him. Someone does not have to receive a physical action for an object form to be needed.

Do not replace every pronoun after a verb with him. In Is he ready?, he is the subject of a question. Everyday replies can also use him after be: That is him by the door.

The Rule in One Line: Learn him in phrases such as see him and with him. Compare those phrases with he is and he works.

Real-Life Examples With HIM

Read the sentence and notice the job of the highlighted pronoun.

  • Can you help him with his bag? — Him is the object of help; his goes with bag.
  • I gave him a present. — The present was given to him.
  • Tom called him last night. — Tom is the subject; him refers to another person.
  • Are you talking to him? — After the preposition to.
  • I saw him at the supermarket. — Him is the person I saw.

Three Mistakes to Avoid With HIM

Compare each incorrect full sentence (✗) with its correction (✓).

Use him as an object

✗ I called he yesterday.
✓ I called him yesterday.

He is the subject form, but called needs an object here.

Distinguish him from his

✗ Give his the keys.
✓ Give him the keys.

Him names the person; his shows possession, as in his keys.

Use he as the subject

✗ Him likes coffee.
✓ He likes coffee.

The full sentence needs the subject form he.

Remember: Learn him in phrases such as see him and with him. Compare those phrases with he is and he works.

Test Yourself: HIM

Choose an answer to see your feedback immediately. Your first answer counts towards your score.

Question 1 of 5

1. Tom was at the cafe. I saw _______ there.

2. Tom needs help with the bags. Can you help _______?

3. The card is for Tom. She gave _______ a birthday card.

4. Tom is beside me. I am sitting next to _______.

5. The conversation is about Tom. They are talking about _______.

Practise the pattern

Choose one person to write about. Write He is here, then add one sentence with help him and one with for him.

Next, compare the subject pronoun she with the object form her.

Next lesson: Personal Pronoun SHE — How to Talk About a Woman or Girl

Further reference: British Council: personal pronouns.

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