THE NOUN AND THE PRONOUN

Business English: A Practice Book by Rose Buhlig is part of the HackerNoon Books Series. You can jump to any chapter in this book here. THE NOUN AND THE PRONOUN

THE NOUN AND THE PRONOUN

For the plural of nouns see Chapter III.

The classes to which nouns belong are distinguished as follows:

A common noun is the name given to an object to denote the class to which it belongs; as, book, man.

A proper noun is the name given to a particular object to distinguish it from others of the same class; as, Mary, Republicans, England. Proper nouns should always be capitalized.

A collective noun is a name which in the singular denotes a collection. It is usually plural in idea but singular in use; as, congregation, crowd.

An abstract noun is the name denoting a quality of an object; as, power, purity, strength.

A verbal noun is the name of an action. As its name suggests, it is made from a verb; as, Sweeping is good exercise.

Exercise 75 In the following sentences supply necessary capital letters. Explain why the same word in one expression needs a capital and in another does not.

1. I have just taken out an endowment policy in the northwestern mutual life insurance company.

   
   

2. There are many mutual life insurance companies in the country.

   
   

3. His refusing the terms was practically a declaration of independence.

   
   

4. On the fourth of July we celebrate the signing of the declaration of independence, the first step in the revolutionary war.

   
   

5. Mexico has had many revolutionary wars.

   
   

6. And king Arthur said, "The king who fights his people fights himself."

   
   

7. When does the bank close?

   
   

8. I have an account with the first national bank.

   
   

9. This is the first national bank that was ever established in this country.

   
   

Explain to which class each noun in the foregoing sentences belongs. Be particularly careful to distinguish between common and proper nouns.

Exercise 76—Pronouns The different classes of pronouns are distinguished as follows:

The personal pronoun is used in place of the name of a person or thing. The pronoun of the first person indicates the speaker, the pronoun of the second person indicates the person spoken to, and the pronoun of the third person indicates the person spoken of. They are declined as follows:

In modern usageyou is used for both the singular and the plural, but the verb that goes with you is always plural.

Note.—The forms mine, thine, yours, hers, ours, theirs, and sometimes his are possessive case in form, but nominative or objective case in use. That pencil is mine really means, That pencil is my pencil. Mine is used as a substitute for a possessive pronoun and the noun it modifies.

The personal pronouns compounded with self are of two kinds:

1. Emphatic pronouns; as,

The buyer himself told me. 2. Reflexive pronouns, referring back to the subject and at the same time being in the objective case; as,

John slipped and hurt himself. The relative pronoun is so called because it relates or refers to another word, called its antecedent, to which it joins the clause that it introduces. The relative pronouns are who, which, what, that; and the compound relatives are whoever, whosoever, whichever, whichsoever, whatever, whatsoever.

They are declined as follows:

Singular and Plural

That, what, whichever, whichsoever, whatever, and whatsoever are not declined. They have the same form in the nominative and objective cases, and are not used in the possessive case.

What is peculiar in that it never has an antecedent expressed, but itself stands for both antecedent and relative. It is called the double relative. Compare the following:

I did not hear the words that he said. I did not hear that which he said. I did not hear what he said. That is called the restrictive relative, because it limits or restricts its antecedent to the meaning expressed in the clause introduced by that. A restrictive clause is one, therefore, that is needed to make the meaning of the sentence clear. Compare the following:

Non-restrictive: John Brown, who has no disease, needs no physician.

Restrictive: He that hath no disease needs no physician.

Notice that a restrictive, or necessary, clause is not separated from the rest of the sentence by commas.

Who and which are sometimes used with restrictive force; as,

1. Those who have finished their work may leave. (Not everybody.)

   
   

2. Have you read the book which he recommended? (He recommended but one.)

   
   

Interrogative pronouns are used in asking questions. They are who, which, what. Who refers to persons; which refers to persons or things, and is used to distinguish one object from another; what refers to things. They are declined as follows:

Singular and Plural

The interrogative pronouns which and what are frequently used as adjectives. In this case they are called pronominal adjectives. Compare:

Pronoun: Which of these hats do you prefer? Adjective: Which hat do you prefer? The demonstrative pronouns are this and that with their plurals these and those. They are always used to point out, or demonstrate, the noun to which they refer. This and these are used for objects near at hand, or recently named; that and those are used for objects far away, or not recently named.

The demonstrative pronouns are frequently used as adjectives; as,

Pronoun: That is my book. Adjective: That book is mine. Indefinite pronouns refer to objects or persons, but do not define or limit them. The indefinite pronouns are each, every, either, neither, one, none, other, another, few, all, many, several, some, each other, one another, and the compounds any one, some one, every one, something, nothing. Indefinite pronouns are frequently used as adjectives. Each, every, either, one, another, any one, some one, every one, whether they are used as pronouns or as adjectives, are singular in number. If another pronoun is used to refer to one of them, it must be in the singular number.

Exercise 77—Classes of Pronouns In the following sentences, explain which pronouns represent the person speaking, which represent the person spoken to, and which represent the person spoken of. Tell which pronouns ask questions; which are used as adjectives; which are used to connect subordinate clauses to the word for which they stand. If the antecedent is expressed, point it out.

1. Who is talking?

   
   

2. The man who is speaking is the head of the credit department.

   
   

3. If you are going, get ready.

   
   

4. Which is the better piece of cloth?

   
   

5. This is the better piece of cloth.

   
   

6. The one who wishes to succeed must exercise great care in his work.

   
   

7. He that would succeed must work.

   
   

8. Many men fail because of laziness.

   
   

9. What did you say?

   
   

10. Can you guess whom I saw?

    
    

11. He himself told us.

    
    

12. A cousin of ours is coming to town.

    
    

13. The man whose life is above criticism need fear no one.

    
    

14. Whoever lives the truth need fear no criticism.

    
    

15. I wish you would remove those files.

    
    

16. Ink that is thick makes illegible writing.

    
    

17. What paper should I destroy?

    
    

18. I cannot understand what any one is saying.

    
    

19. This is not my umbrella. It is yours.

    
    

20. No friend of his would talk in that way.

    
    

21. This is no book of theirs; it belongs to us.

    
    

22. Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.

    
    

23. I shall ask whomever I see.

    
    

24. Each of us has his work assigned.

    
    

25. Every boy has his work assigned.

    
    

Exercise 78 In the following sentences he, his, they, their, them, it, or its should be inserted. Give the reason for your choice.

1. No man is allowed to leave —— desk untidy.

   
   

2. Every one must put —— tools away before leaving the shop.

   
   

3. Every office worker is required to be in —— place at eight-thirty every morning.

   
   

4. In my business a person must learn to make up —— mind quickly.

   
   

5. It was cold this morning. Every one wore —— wraps.

   
   

6. Every clerk must do —— own work.

   
   

7. If an employee has ideas for the improvement of the business, —— is requested to report —— suggestions to the superintendent.

   
   

8. The superintendent is anxious to have every workman feel that —— (has, have) a definite place in the organization, and that if —— (does not, don't) do —— work, the business will suffer.

   
   

9. No goods will be accepted unless —— (are, is) in good condition.

   
   

10. Every newspaper is anxious to increase —— classified advertising.

    
    

11. No one cares to see —— friends frown.

    
    

12. Every one must agree that —— (has, have) —— faults.

    
    

13. Not one of the banks had —— deposits decreased.

    
    

14. Will any one let me take —— umbrella?

    
    

15. Every one says that —— had a delightful evening.

    
    

16. Who was it said I had —— book?

    
    

17. Does each state pay over a part of —— taxes to the federal government?

    
    

18. Every one will find in the current publications a wealth of information applicable to —— specific needs, much of which —— will wish to file for easy reference, no matter in what department of the world's work —— interest centers.

    
    

19. If any one could tell beforehand when —— opportunities would arrive, —— might be ready to grasp each as —— came.

    
    

20. If every one here would follow the directions that —— (has, have) received, —— would make fewer mistakes in shipments.

    
    

21. Any one who wishes may give —— opinion.

    
    

22. No one need expect to leave before —— work is finished.

    
    

23. Every one in the office took —— vacation early this year except me.

    
    

24. Each of the twenty banks sent —— representative to the meeting.

    
    

25. On applying for a position, each man is given a blank that —— must fill out carefully, making —— answers as definite as possible.

    
    

Some of the following are right, and some are wrong. Correct those that are wrong, explaining why they are wrong.

1. Neither one of them know what they are expected to do.

   
   

2. Applicant after applicant handed in their names.

   
   

3. If any one has a complaint to make, he should report it in writing to the superintendent.

   
   

4. Have either of the stenographers finished their letters?

   
   

5. I wish everybody would do their own work and let me do mine.

   
   

6. Each man did his work faithfully.

   
   

7. Has neither the carpenter nor the plumber yet brought his tools?

   
   

8. Every one of the clerks must hand their report to the head bookkeeper before five o'clock.

   
   

9. One of them must have neglected to hand in his report.

   
   

10. Man after man yesterday promised me that they'd be on hand to work this morning, and not one of them showed themselves.

    
    

Exercise 79 In the following exercise, tell which of the italicized pronouns introduce restrictive, and which introduce non-restrictive clauses:

1. This is the best bargain that we have ever offered.

   
   

2. This is Mr. Burton, whose work I recommended to you.

   
   

3. The city that I enjoyed most was Quebec.

   
   

4. I enjoyed walking on the old wall that still surrounds the town.

   
   

5. The club to which I belong will hold a meeting next week.

   
   

6. The club that I belong to will hold a meeting next Monday.

   
   

7. All those whose daily work showed an improvement were given an increase in salary.

   
   

8. The horse that ran away belonged to my partner.

   
   

9. The greatest man is he who feels himself the least.

   
   

10. An old story tells us that when Caesar, who was a great Roman emperor, returned from a conquest which has ever since been famous, he brought back to Rome a formula that has revolutionized the world. It was a formula for making soap, and was considered one of the greatest treasures that was captured during the campaign. Caesar immediately saw the value that it would have in the eyes of the world, and he forced the soap-makers to reveal their secret.

    
    

11. The garrison is a handful of invalid soldiers, whose principal duty is to guard some of the outer towers.

    
    

12. This is the gentleman whom we met in Boston.

    
    

13. Mr. Carter, who was a member of our Boston firm, will take charge of our city sales.

    
    

14. We honestly believe that our latest Style Book, which goes with this letter, offers you more for every dollar that you spend than you can get elsewhere.

    
    

Exercise 80—Case Case is that modification of a noun or a pronoun which denotes its relation to other words in the sentence. There are three cases: the nominative, the objective, and the possessive. Although nouns are used in all three cases, no change of form occurs except in the possessive case.

The nominative case is used in the following ways:

1. The principal use of the nominative case is as subject of the sentence; as,

Noun: The business is prosperous.

Pronoun: It has been established for five years.

2. Sometimes a noun or pronoun is used to complete the meaning of such verbs as be, become, seem, appear, taste, feel. Such a noun is in the nominative case, and is called a predicate nominative, or a subjective complement; as,

Noun: Mr. Brown is the manager. He seems a gentleman. Pronoun: I think it is she.

3. A noun in apposition with another noun in the nominative case is also in the nominative case; as,

Mr. Brown, the manager, is very capable.

The man to whom you should apply is Mr. Brown, the manager.

4. Sometimes a noun or a pronoun is used in direct address or in an exclamation, without having any grammatical relation to the rest of the sentence. It is then said to be nominative independent; as,

Mr. Brown, a gentleman wishes to speak to you. A strike! Why are they declaring a strike? You! I thought you were in South America. 5. Sometimes a noun or pronoun is used with a participle to express an adverbial relation. Such a noun is in the nominative case, and is called nominative absolute, because it has no grammatical relation to any other part of the sentence; as,

Mr. Brown having gone, we told the gentleman to see Mr. Jones.

He being the guide, we asked no questions.

It is much better to use a clause to express such an idea; as,

As Mr. Brown had gone, we told the gentleman to see Mr. Jones.

Write a sentence containing a noun and one containing a pronoun in each of the following uses of the nominative case:

1. Subject.

   
   

2. Predicate Nominative.

   Write a sentence containing a noun used

   
   

3. In direct address.

   
   

4. In exclamation.

   
   

5. In apposition with another noun in the nominative case.

   
   

Exercise 81—The Objective Case A noun or a pronoun may be used in the objective case in the following ways:

1. Direct object of a transitive verb; as,

I have a good position. Do you know him?

2. Object of a preposition; as,

I have just returned from the library. Bring the book to me.

3. Indirect object of such verbs as ask, give, teach, showing the person for whom or to whom the action is done; as,

She brought her mother some flowers. I gave her singing lessons.

4. A noun as second object after verbs of making, choosing, calling, electing; as,

They chose John secretary.

5. A noun in apposition with another objective; as,

Send your report to the secretary, John Wilson.

6. Adverbial modifier; as,

We are going home. Write a sentence containing a noun and one containing a pronoun in each of the following uses of the objective case:

1. Direct object of a transitive verb.

   
   

2. Indirect object.

   
   

3. Object of a preposition.

   Write a sentence containing a noun used as

   
   

4. Adverbial objective.

   
   

5. Second object.

   
   

6. Appositive of another noun in the objective case.

   
   

Exercise 82—The Possessive Case To form the possessive case of nouns add an apostrophe and s to all singular nouns, and to all plural nouns that do not end in s; if a plural noun ends in s add only an apostrophe; as, child's, children's, boys'.

Exception.—When, in long words, the additional s in the singular would cause a disagreeable sound, some writers use only the apostrophe; as,

We awaited the princess's decision. We awaited the princess' decision. It is often better in such cases to use a phrase; as,

We awaited the decision of the princess. Thus, an of phrase may be used instead of the possessive case. In speaking of an inanimate object one should use it instead of the apostrophe and s; as, the top of the mountain. However, we use such expressions as last year's prices.

When, as in the name of a firm, two or more nouns are taken together with the idea of common possession, the sign of the possessive is added to the last noun only. If separate possession is implied, the sign of the possessive is added to each noun; as,

Have you seen Wilson & King's new building? This is Mary and Helen's room. Is this Mary's or Helen's coat? A noun or pronoun is in the possessive case before a verbal noun; as,

I prefer to have John's studying done before dinner. I prefer to have his studying done before dinner. Write sentences expressing relation between the words in the following pairs. Use one of them in the possessive case or use an of phrase, whichever seems better.

Bring to class five incorrect possessive phrases taken from advertisements. Explain and correct the mistakes.

Exercise 83 Which of the italicized words would you use? Why?

1. Have you heard of Mr. Bennett, Mr. Bennett's being appointed chairman of the meeting?

   
   

2. It will probably delay him, his coming here.

   
   

3. I don't understand him, his refusing to accept the position.

   
   

4. We have heard a great deal of him, his making a success of photography.

   
   

5. The man's industry has resulted in him, his gaining fame.

   
   

6. Will you sign this permit for us, our visiting the factory?

   
   

7. What do you say to us, our making some candy?

   
   

8. I am very sorry that me, my interrupting you yesterday delayed your work.

   
   

9. The machine is in excellent condition. There is no reason for it, its needing any repair.

   
   

10. Everybody, everybody's being on time is absolutely necessary.

    
    

Exercise 84 Each of the following sentences is incorrect because the sign of the possessive case has been omitted. Insert the apostrophe or the apostrophe and s, wherever either is needed.

1. There is a new boys school in our town.

   
   

2. James brother John is our new bookkeeper.

   
   

3. For entrance to this course three years work in mathematics and one years work in German are required.

   
   

4. This new building will be occupied by J. M. Hopkins mail order department.

   
   

5. The superintendents inspection was thorough.

   
   

6. The trouble will be in John agreeing to the proposition.

   
   

7. All applications for help should be made to the Womens Committees.

   
   

8. The employees rest rooms are on the sunny side of the building.

   
   

9. Our fifteen years experience in selling bonds has convinced us that investments paying a low rate of interest are the safest.

   
   

10. In to-days mail I received a very large order from Graham & Moore's successors.

    
    

11. Jones Brothers new store is on the corner of Madison Street.

    
    

12. Last month sales show an increase of two thousand dollars.

    
    

13. Everybodys business is nobodys business.

    
    

14. It is when to-morrows burden is added to the burden of to-day that the weight is more than a man can bear.

    
    

15. The present governor was the peoples choice.

    
    

16. I prefer Tennysons poems to Longfellows.

    
    

17. I have read both Longfellow and Tennysons poems.

    
    

18. I bought the book at Barlow and Companys new store.

    
    

19. We are going to insist on Mary taking a long vacation this year.

    
    

20. I have had the pleasure of staying at both your friends houses.

    
    

Exercise 85—The Apostrophe Some of the following sentences are right, and some are wrong. Correct those that are wrong, explaining why they are wrong.

1. The man who's coming this way is Mr. Burton.

   
   

2. Whose coat is that?

   
   

3. The man who's place you are taking has been with this firm for twenty years.

   
   

4. The next one whose to give a report is the treasurer.

   
   

5. The next one whose report we must hear is the treasurer.

   
   

6. Don't you think it's too early to start?

   
   

7. He is a ladies tailor.

   
   

8. Remember your to let us know at once who's elected.

   
   

9. Its too late now to change its wording.

   
   

10. Mr. Jones' house is being repaired.

    
    

11. The Joneses' house is being repaired.

    
    

12. There coming as fast as their horse will bring them.

    
    

13. I think you're typewriter needs cleaning.

    
    

14. Your coming too, are'nt you?

    
    

15. Every business has it's problems.

    
    

16. The Bon Ton has a big sale in mens' and womens' coat's.

    
    

17. Why, it's March! No wonder their having a sale.

    
    

18. We shall give you a special discount if you will send your dealer's name.

    
    

19. Most of the dealer's advertise very little.

    
    

20. It's just a year ago since we received your last order.

    
    

21. Its not willingness we lack; it's time.

    
    

22. If you use our safety device, you may leave you're window open with security, and you will arise refreshed, ready for a big days work.

    
    

23. Lets take our vacation when they take their's.

    
    

24. I think we shall have to take our's in August. Two of us must stay during July, for the work will not do it's self, you know.

    
    

25. In any explanation it should be the writers purpose to so describe his good's that the reader will desire them. A good salesman never shows a necktie in a box. He takes it out and with a deft twist forms it's length into a four-in-hand over his finger. The customer then sees not only the scarf, it's color and its weave, but he sees it in it's relation to himself, as it will look when it's tied.

Exercise 86 Supply who or whom:

1. —— did you take me for?

   
   

2. The shipping clerk, —— I consider responsible for the mistake, must go.

   
   

3. The shipping clerk, —— I feel certain is responsible for the mistake, must go.

   
   

4. —— is it?

   
   

5. —— shall I say called?

   
   

6. —— do you wish to see?

   
   

7. —— did you say was elected?

   
   

8. He is the one —— every one thought should be elected.

   
   

9. Choose the one —— you think will give the best service.

   
   

10. Choose the one —— you think you can trust.

    
    

11. She asked me —— did it.

    
    

12. —— do you think is the best salesman in the firm?

    
    

13. —— do you regard as the best salesman in the firm?

    
    

14. —— was that —— you were talking to?

    
    

15. He is the one —— I was speaking about.

    
    

16. —— do we play next week?

    
    

17. He is a workman —— can be trusted.

    
    

18. He is a workman upon —— you can depend.

    
    

19. This letter comes from Robert, —— we all know very well.

    
    

20. This letter comes from Robert, —— we all know writes good letters.

    
    

21. —— do you consider to be most capable? The subject of the infinitive to be must be in the objective case.

    
    

22. This booklet was written by the man —— Mr. Bardon considers to be the best correspondent in our office.

    
    

23. He is the one —— every one believes to be worthy of the highest honors.

    
    

24. The critic —— every one thought gave the most truthful account of the performance is a man of great culture.

    
    

Supply whoever or whomever:

1. Give the book to —— needs it.

   
   

2. Give it to —— you think best.

   
   

3. —— I send can be trusted.

   
   

4. Send me —— is there.

   
   

5. Send me —— you find there.

   
   

6. —— reaches the line first will receive the cup.

   
   

7. The cup will be given to —— reaches the lines first.

   
   

8. In the country lane he spoke to —— he met.

   
   

9. —— you choose may compete for the prize.

   
   

10. —— you bring is welcome.

    
    

Exercise 87 Read the following sentences, using one of the forms in italic. Be able to give a reason for your choice.

1. He—him and I—me are going camping next summer.

   
   

2. It is a question that refers to you and I—me.

   
   

3. It is a question between you and I—me.

   
   

4. I am sure that it was she—her.

   
   

5. I am sure that we saw you and he—him.

   
   

6. We—us boys are going camping.

   
   

7. Will you go camping with we—us boys?

   
   

8. They—them and their cousins are going camping.

   
   

9. We bought a large piece of ground so that my brother and I—me could have a garden.

   
   

10. It was bought for he—him and I—me.

    
    

11. Is that he—him entering the gate? Yes, that is he—him.

    
    

12. Who—whom should I meet at the station but old Mr. McGregor, who—whom I had not seen for several years.

    
    

13. If I were he—him, I should start at once.

    
    

14. There is no need of him—his staying any longer.

    
    

15. He does not work so rapidly as I—me.

    
    

16. Mary and she—her work in the same office.

    
    

17. There is no danger of me—my failing.

    
    

18. Please let she—her and I—me do the work together.

    
    

19. There is no use of us—our trying any more.

    
    

20. Us—our giving up now will spoil everything.

    
    

21. My mother objected to me—my going.

    
    

22. Why did you insist upon us—our coming to-day?

    
    

23. I hardly think it is he—him who—whom is to blame.

    
    

24. I should like to be she—her.

    
    

25. They—them that do wrong shall be punished.

    
    

26. They—them that do wrong I shall punish.

    
    

27. He—him that is your friend you can call upon in your hour of need.

    
    

28. He—him that is your friend will respond to your call.

    
    

29. The manager praised both the bookkeepers and we—us girls.

    
    

30. Was it you who called? Yes, it was I—me.

    
    

31. It surely was not I—me whom you saw.

    
    

32. He reproved us both but I—me more than she—her.

    
    

33. Are you sure it's I—me whom he appointed?

    
    

34. If it's really I—me who was appointed, I'm sure I should have been notified.

    
    

35. I'm sure it can't be I—me.

    
    

Exercise 88—Same as a Pronoun One of the worst constructions found in business letters of today is the use of same as a pronoun. The word may be an adjective or a noun but never a pronoun.

Wrong: Will you please fill out the enclosed blank and return same as soon as possible?

Right: Will you please fill out the enclosed blank and return it as soon as possible?

In each of the following sentences substitute a noun or a pronoun for same:

1. Will you not send us a check by Friday so that we may use same for our pay roll on Saturday?

   
   

2. Do you wish to bid for our cinder output this year? We have a sample car that we shall be glad to have you inspect if you think you will have any use for same.

   
   

3. We have no use for the material this year, but we thank you for giving us an opportunity to bid for same.

   
   

4. If you are dissatisfied with the machine, return same at our expense.

   
   

5. You state that you sent us an order on June 10, but we cannot find any trace of same.

   
   

6. We are in the market for two dozen Standard clothes wringers, and we should be glad to receive your lowest price on same.

   
   

7. We have given you credit for this amount and desire to thank you for your promptness in sending same.

   
   

8. We have your letter of November 6 and thank you for same.

   
   

9. If you think you can use this type of machine, we shall be glad to send you same on ten days' trial.

   
   

10. We have decided to use your machine if you will give us a satisfactory guarantee as to strength, efficiency, and freedom from leaks. As soon as possible let us hear from you in regard to same.

Exercise 89—Nouns and Pronouns Incorrectly Used

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