Why You Can Say 'Give Her Her Pen': Exploring English Pronoun Usage

Understanding the nuances of English pronouns can be challenging, especially when it comes to possessive and object pronouns. This article aims to shed light on why certain combinations are acceptable while others are not, specifically focusing on the use of 'her' and 'him' in sentences like 'Give her her pen.'

The Confusion with Pronouns

It's common to ask, 'Why can you say 'Give her her pen'?' This question arises from the confusion surrounding pronoun usage in English. In the English language, 'her' serves as both the possessive pronoun and the object pronoun for feminine subjects. In contrast, 'him' and 'his' serve different functions for masculine subjects, leading to unique constructions whenever you want to refer explicitly to possession or action.

Why 'Give Her Her Pen' is Correct

The phrase 'Give her her pen' is correct because 'her' is being used in two different roles within the sentence. In this context:

The first 'her' is a possessive pronoun, indicating ownership or possession. (Example: 'This is her pen.' ) The second 'her' is an object pronoun, indicating the recipient of the action. (Example: 'Give it to her.' In this form, we would say 'Give her her pen,' not 'Give her him pen.' )

This dual use of 'her' in a sentence is a unique feature in the English language, often not found in other languages. It is a result of a coincidence where the object and possessive forms of the feminine pronoun happen to be the same in certain contexts.

Constructions and Usage

Let's explore how different pronouns are used in various constructions:

Give him his pen – Here, 'his' is used as a possessive adjective, and 'him' is the object pronoun. (Example: 'Give him his pen.') Give her her pen – 'Her' is used both as a possessive pronoun and an object pronoun. (Example: 'Give her her pen.') Using 'one' and 'it': Give one ones pen (correct usage) Give it its pen (correct usage) Using 'us' and 'them': Give us our pen (correct usage) Give them their pen (correct usage)

A Special Note on 'You'

The pronoun 'you' requires a bit more specificity:

Give you your pen – If the receiving 'you' is performing the giving action, it is best to say 'your pen' (Example: 'I am going to give you your pen.') Give yourself your pen – If the giving is being done by the receiving 'you' (Example: 'Give yourself your pen.')

Understanding these nuances is crucial for effective communication in English. The key takeaway is that 'her' can be used as both a possessive and an object pronoun due to its unique dual form in the language, while other pronouns like 'him' and 'his' have separate forms for possessive and object functions.

Conclusion

Whether you're an English native speaker or a learner, mastering these nuances in pronoun usage can significantly improve your command of the language. The ability to differentiate between possessive and object forms, particularly in cases like 'her' and 'him,' will make your English more precise and clear.