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Carlene Posted 15 years ago
Grammar
HE OR HIM? Help..!!!
I'm confused as to what correct pronoun is to be used in this sentence.
That cannot be he/him.
In formal contexts, linking verbs are usually followed by subjective pronouns. This rationalize why the colloquial sentences "This is me, It is me, That is him, etc." are wrong because its linking verbs are mislead by objective pronouns. The correct sentences would be "This is I, That is she and the like." It is said that linking verbs must always be followed by subjective pronouns to eschew one from violating grammatical standards. It is frequently recommended by sticklers for formality.
Now, regarding the sentence above, I believe that "be" is a linking verb but I haven't encountered it following a subjective pronoun before. What is the correct way of structuring the sentence? Which is formal and grammatically correct?
That cannot be he.
or
That cannot be him.
Kindly explain your response afterwards.. Thank you..
That cannot be he/him.
In formal contexts, linking verbs are usually followed by subjective pronouns. This rationalize why the colloquial sentences "This is me, It is me, That is him, etc." are wrong because its linking verbs are mislead by objective pronouns. The correct sentences would be "This is I, That is she and the like." It is said that linking verbs must always be followed by subjective pronouns to eschew one from violating grammatical standards. It is frequently recommended by sticklers for formality.
Now, regarding the sentence above, I believe that "be" is a linking verb but I haven't encountered it following a subjective pronoun before. What is the correct way of structuring the sentence? Which is formal and grammatically correct?
That cannot be he.
or
That cannot be him.
Kindly explain your response afterwards.. Thank you..
Top answer
That cannot be he/him. Traditional formal English requires 'he', as you said, by 'sticklers for formality'. Nevertheless, the position of the pronoun (here, in predicative position - after the verb) has been influencing case choice more and more, so that 'him' is considered acceptable, even usual, and 'he' is considered 'hyper-formal'.
- That cannot be he/him.
- Traditional formal English requires 'he', as you said, by 'sticklers for formality'.
- Nevertheless, the position of the pronoun (here, in predicative position - after the verb) has been influencing case choice more and more, so that 'him' is considered acceptable, even usual, and 'he' is considered 'hyper-formal'.
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1 Answers
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That cannot be he/him.
Traditional formal English requires 'he', as you said, by 'sticklers for formality'. Nevertheless, the position of the pronoun (here, in predicative position - after the verb) has been influencing case choice more and more, so that 'him' is considered acceptable, even usual, and 'he' is considered 'hyper-formal'.
Traditional formal English requires 'he', as you said, by 'sticklers for formality'. Nevertheless, the position of the pronoun (here, in predicative position - after the verb) has been influencing case choice more and more, so that 'him' is considered acceptable, even usual, and 'he' is considered 'hyper-formal'.
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