him

He waves to him from across the street.

Definition

1. Pronoun:
   • Third person singular masculine object pronoun: "him" is used to refer to a male person or animal previously mentioned or easily identified, functioning as the object of a verb or preposition.
   • Indirect object: It can also serve as the indirect object, indicating the person to whom something is given or for whom something is done.

Usage Examples

• Direct object:
  • I saw him at the park yesterday. (The male person was the one I saw.)
• Indirect object:
  • She gave him a book for his birthday. (The book was given to the male person.)
• Object of a preposition:
  • The letter is addressed to him. (The male person is the recipient.)
• After a verb:
  • Please call him when you arrive. (The male person should be contacted.)

Advanced Usage

• "him" in emphatic or reflexive contexts (non-standard): In some informal dialects, "him" is used as a subject or reflexive form, though this is grammatically non-standard.
  • Him and me went to the store. (Non-standard; standard: He and I went to the store.)
• "himself" for emphasis: The reflexive form "himself" is often used for emphasis or when the subject and object are the same person.
  • He did it himself. (He did it without help.)

Variants and Related Words

• His (possessive pronoun/adjective): belonging to or associated with a male previously mentioned.
  • That is his car. (The car belongs to the male person.)
• Himself (reflexive pronoun): used to refer to the same male person as the subject of the clause.
  • He hurt himself while playing. (The male person caused his own injury.)

Synonyms

• That man: a periphrastic equivalent for clarity.
  • I saw that man earlier. (Equivalent to "him" but more descriptive.)
• The gentleman: a formal alternative.
  • Please give the gentleman his change. (Formal equivalent of "him.")

Related Idioms

• Him and his: a colloquial phrase referring to a male person and his associates or belongings.
  • Him and his friends are always causing trouble. (The male person and his companions.)
• It's him: a common expression used to identify a male person.
  • Look, it's him! (The male person is recognized.)