her
Definition
Pronoun (objective case):
- Used as the object of a verb or preposition to refer to a female person or animal previously mentioned or easily identified: "her" functions as the object form of the singular feminine pronouns "she" and "herself."
Determiner (possessive adjective):
- Belonging to or associated with a female person or animal previously mentioned or easily identified: "her" indicates possession or a close relationship when used before a noun.
Usage Examples
Pronoun (objective case):
- I saw her at the library yesterday.
- Please give the book to her.
- We were waiting for her.
Determiner (possessive adjective):
- That is her car parked outside.
- She lost her keys.
- We admire her dedication to the project.
Advanced Usage
Formal/Emphatic Use: In very formal or literary contexts, "her" can sometimes be used as a subject complement after forms of "to be," though "she" is more standard.
- It is her. (Common)
- It is she. (Formal)
Personification: "Her" is traditionally used for countries, ships, or other entities personified as female.
- England expects every man to do her duty. (Historical/Personified)
Variants and Related Words
- She (pronoun): The subjective (nominative) case form.
- She is my friend.
- Hers (possessive pronoun): Used independently, not before a noun.
- This book is hers.
- Herself (reflexive/intensive pronoun):
- She bought herself a gift. (Reflexive)
- She herself said it. (Intensive)
Synonyms
- That woman/girl: (When used as a noun phrase for clarity, not a direct pronoun substitute).
- The female in question: (Descriptive phrase).
Related Phrases (Phrasal verbs are not applicable to this pronoun/determiner)
- Of hers: A double possessive construction.
- He is a friend of hers.
Related Idioms
- Give her my best: Send her my good wishes.
- When you see Sarah, please give her my best.
- That's her all over: That behavior or action is very typical of her.
- Forgetting her umbrella on a rainy day? That's her all over.