She vs Her: What’s the Difference?
“She” and “her” are both pronouns in the English language, but they are used in different ways. So, let’s explore ‘She’ vs ‘Her’.
She:
- “She” is a subjective pronoun.
- It is used when referring to a female person or animal who is the subject of a sentence.
- Example: “She is going to the store.”
Her:
- “Her” is an objective pronoun.
- It is used when referring to a female person or animal as the object of a verb or preposition.
- Example: “I gave the book to her.”
In summary, “she” is used when the female is the one performing the action (subject), and “her” is used when the female is the one receiving the action (object).
When do we use ‘her’ instead of ‘she’ in sentences? Let’s explore with examples
- She is studying for her exams.
Explanation: Use “She” as the pronoun is the subject of the sentence (performing the action). - Tell her to call me back when she has time.
Explanation: Use “Her” when the pronoun is the object of the verb “tell.” - We congratulated her on winning the award.
Explanation: Use “Her” as the pronoun is the object of the verb “congratulated.” - I bought a gift for her on her birthday.
Explanation: Use “Her” as the pronoun is the object of the preposition “for.” - She and her brother are going on a vacation.
Explanation: Use “She” as the pronoun is the subject of the sentence (performing the action). - The movie starred her in the lead role.
Explanation: Use “Her” as the pronoun is the object of the verb “starred.”
For a deeper understanding of personal pronouns, be sure to read “How to Use Personal Pronouns“
Exercises : ‘She’ vs ‘Her’
Difficulty Level : Intermediate / Proficient / Advanced / Skilled
Instructions : In this exercise, choose between the words “She” and “Her” to fill in the blank in each sentence.
- ____ is a talented singer.
- I invited Jane and ____ to the party.
- Give the gift to ____ .
- ____ and I went to the movies last night.
- I saw ____ at the coffee shop earlier.
- The teacher praised ____ for the excellent presentation.
- Can you pass the message to ____ ?
- ____ and her friends are planning a road trip.
- I’m going shopping with ____ this afternoon.
Answers & Explanation: ‘She’ vs ‘Her’
- She is a talented singer.
Explanation: Use “She” when the pronoun is the subject of the sentence (performing the action). - I invited Jane and her to the party.
Explanation: Use “Her” when the pronoun is the object of the verb or preposition (receives the action). - Give the gift to her.
Explanation: Use “Her” as the pronoun is the object of the preposition “to.” - She and I went to the movies last night.
Explanation: Use “She” as the pronoun is the subject of the sentence (performing the action). - I saw her at the coffee shop earlier.
Explanation: Use “Her” when the pronoun is the object of the verb “saw.” - The teacher praised her for the excellent presentation.
Explanation: Use “Her” as the pronoun is the object of the verb “praised.” - Can you pass the message to her?
Explanation: Use “Her” as the pronoun is the object of the preposition “to.” - She and her friends are planning a road trip.
Explanation: Use “She” as the pronoun is the subject of the sentence (performing the action). - I’m going shopping with her this afternoon.
Explanation: Use “Her” as the pronoun is the object of the preposition “with.”