English object pronouns

What are object pronouns?

Object pronouns along with subject pronouns are a personal pronoun. When used as an object it is placed after a verb or a proposition instead of a noun that is already known. 

Subject vs object

Warning: It is important to make a distinction between subject and object pronouns. Even though they are similar they are not interchangeable in speaking nor in writing.

Object pronouns list: me, you, him, her, it, us, you, them

Direct and indirect object pronouns

1. Direct object pronouns

Direct object pronouns are used to indicate towards whom the action of the verb is directed. Once you locate the verb the direct object can be identified by asking the question "who?" or "what?".

Examples:

• She threw a glass at me because I was late.
• Do you truly feel that way about her?
• They eliminated us again. I hate it!

Attention: When "it" is used as an object pronoun it is important to acknowledge that it is correct only in a context that is known to the listener.

• I don't like it. 
•  They didn't keep their promise. I find it extremely disrespectful. 

In the first example we know the one speaking does not like something, however, we do not know what that is. Whereas in the second example the situation they find disrespectful summarized by "it" is explained by the first sentence.

2. Indirect object pronouns 

Indirect object pronouns provide us information as to what the direct object of the sentence is doing. 

Examples:

• The game was amazing. We loved playing it very much!
• I am always buying them a lot of chocolate.
• She is doing her best to make them proud.

Object pronouns with prepositions

Propositions are very often accompanying object pronouns in order to deliver a better clarity and easier flowing sentence structure. The most commonly used ones are: "at", "to", "for", "with". 

Examples:

• I will see you there at midnight.
• They would be very happy to go with you.
• I am sorry but I can't tolerate them for much longer. 
• I can't wait to send it to you.