her
pronoun
UKhɜːrUShɝː
used to refer to a female person or animal previously mentioned or easily identified (objective case of 'she')
Example Sentences
I called her yesterday to check if she was feeling better.
Did you see her when she walked into the room this morning?
We asked her to join us for dinner tonight.
He handed her the book without saying a word.
Could you please tell her about the schedule change?
We noticed her sitting quietly in the corner reading a magazine.
When I finally spoke to her, she explained everything with a calm confidence, putting all my worries to rest.
They greeted her with warm embraces and heartfelt congratulations, for she had just returned triumphantly from her long trip abroad.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
determiner
UKhɜːrUShɝː
used to show that something belongs or relates to a female person or animal previously mentioned or easily identified (possessive form of 'she')
Example Sentences
Her dog followed her everywhere she went.
The teacher asked the student to bring her homework to the front desk.
We admired her courage in standing up for what she believed in.
He carefully wrapped her gift and hid it in the closet.
Her apartment is on the third floor, overlooking the main street.
They decorated her desk with balloons for her birthday celebration.
Her presentation was both concise and insightful, capturing the audience’s attention from the very first slide until the final conclusion.
Despite the challenges, her unwavering determination led her to achieve each milestone with grace, inspiring everyone around her to strive for excellence.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
Used as an object pronoun or possessive adjective for a female.In everyday English grammar, this term can function primarily as an object pronoun or as a possessive adjective. For instance, when indicating that an action is directed toward a female subject—“I handed the book to her”—it serves as the object pronoun. As a possessive adjective, it appears before a noun, for example, “Her coat is on the chair,” clearly marking something that belongs to her. While colloquial usage rarely stumbles over this term, it’s best to remember that it replaces a noun already mentioned or presumed obvious in context: “Maria arrived first; I gave her the news.” In more formal writing, be sure the referent is clear so readers can easily identify who or what is being discussed. Used appropriately, it helps avoid repetition and creates smooth, concise sentences.
Alternatives
When you need alternatives, your choices might depend on context and intent. If you want to refer to a person whose gender you wish to keep unspecified, you could opt for “them” or “they,” respecting gender neutrality in both casual and formal settings. For narratives and descriptive writing, replacing this pronoun with the individual’s name or a noun phrase—like “the woman” or “the guest”—can lend more clarity or variety. Meanwhile, expressions such as “that person” or “the individual” can be appropriate in formal reports or academic articles, especially if the exact identity is less important than the role or position. Additionally, contemporary styles sometimes favor fully inclusive language, so “their” may be used in place of the traditional feminine pronoun when referencing a hypothetical subject. Balancing inclusivity with clarity ensures your work remains respectful, precise, and stylistically consistent, regardless of whether you’re speaking casually among friends or addressing a global audience in professional writing.
Writing
When composing documents or stories, ensure that each pronoun clearly refers back to its specific subject to avoid ambiguity. Overusing a pronoun in close succession might cause readers to lose track of which individual you mean, so consider employing the person’s name or title intermittently for clarity. However, if the context is unambiguous—such as a single female subject in a paragraph—using this pronoun sparingly will maintain readability and flow. Varying sentence structure can also alleviate monotony; try interspersing direct references (“the manager,” “the scientist,” “the athlete”) with the pronoun for a balanced rhythm. Be aware of your audience’s expectations regarding gender pronouns: in more formal or academic texts, ensure your usage reflects clarity and neutrality where needed. Above all, consistently maintain the referent throughout your work, so the writing remains coherent and the narrative or argument flows smoothly.
Casual Conversation
In daily conversation, this pronoun pops up constantly—“Did you see her new haircut?” or “I gave her a call.” Most people use it without overthinking, simply because it’s an easy way to avoid repeating names. Still, clarity remains important; if you’re chatting about two or three women, double-check that your friends know which person you mean. When sharing stories, sprinkling in details like “my sister” or “my friend” once in a while helps avoid confusion. If you’re not sure about someone’s pronoun preference—especially in contexts where gender identity might not be obvious—politely ask or use neutral pronouns until you know. Casual talk doesn’t demand excessive formality, but courtesy and respect go a long way. Ultimately, natural use of pronouns fosters effortless conversation while keeping everyone in the loop about who’s doing what.
Etymology
Derived from Old English forms like “hiere” and “heora,” the modern version of this pronoun emerged through gradual linguistic shifts in Middle English. Initially, these proto-forms indicated plural or possessive concepts, but the language’s evolution refined and standardized their usage for singular, feminine contexts. Over centuries, English began distinguishing among “he,” “she,” “her,” and “them,” helping speakers refer precisely to gendered or plural subjects. By the time of Early Modern English, writers like Shakespeare were regularly using this pronoun to convey object or possessive meaning for female characters. Today, discussions around inclusive language have sparked broader considerations of alternatives, yet the historical lineage of this term remains central in English grammar. Its steadfast presence underscores how language both reflects and shapes social norms, capturing shifts in identity and respect for individual preferences.