She vs. Her: Proper Grammar Use

Feminine Pronouns

The words “she” and “her” are both pronouns that are used in place of nouns describing females. You can use “she” or “her” to replace:

• A woman’s proper name
• A girl’s proper name
• A female animal’s name
• The name of an object identified as female, like a ship or car

Definition and Use of “She”

“She” is a singular pronoun. It is a word that takes the place of a singular noun. Singular means there is one.

The definition of “she” is:

A female who was previously mentioned

Based on the definition, you could use “she” when the person you’re talking to knows which female you’re referring to.

Using “She” in a Sentence

Since “she” is a pronoun, it takes the place of a female noun.

• I don’t know that girl over there. Who is she?
• Is that Jennifer? She’s not the same girl I saw in the picture.
• I thought Kate’s favorite color was blue. She said she likes brown better.
• Michele gets off work at five. Is she coming to dinner with us tonight?
• I don’t like Nikki. If she sits by me, I’m leaving.
• This is my new dog Poppy. She loves to lick!
• My old hamster, Barbie, was brown. I thought she was the cutest hamster ever.
• I just finished building my new ship. Isn’t she a beauty?

Definition and Use of “Her”

Unlike “she,” the word “her” can be an adjective or a pronoun. Take a look below for when you should use "her" instead of "she" in a sentence.

“Her” As an Adjective

“Her” can be used as an adjective when it’s the possessive form of “she,” meaning you’re showing something belongs to the “she” you’ve mentioned. The definition of “her” is:

The possessive form of she

“Her” As a Pronoun

“Her” is also a pronoun when it’s the objective case of “she,” meaning it’s used as the direct object or indirect object of a verb. The definition of “her” in this case is:

She or a female; form of “she” used after a preposition or as the object of a verb

Using “Her” in a Sentence

When you are saying that something belongs to the female, you’ll likely use “her.” The word “her” as a pronoun often comes after a preposition, or linking word. As a pronoun, “her” can also be the object of the sentence.

• I found Vera’s blue sweater. It’s her favorite. (Adjective)
• Have you ever seen the USNS Sally Ride? Her purpose is to help map oceans. (Adjective)
• Can you feed the cat? Her food bowl is empty. (Adjective)
• Have you seen Barb? Little Sarah looks just like her. (Pronoun)
• What time does Hazel get out of school? I want to pick her up as a surprise. (Pronoun)
• Mom is running late for lunch. Can you order her a burger? (Pronoun)
• I didn’t know your dog could play dead. How did you teach her that trick? (Pronoun)

She vs. Her Worksheet

Practice what you’ve learned about using “she” and “her” by completing the sentences below with the correct word. Check your answers when you’re done to see if you’ve mastered these grammar rules.

Worksheet Questions:

Fill in the blanks with either “she” or “her” to complete each sentence correctly. The answers are at the bottom of the article.

1. Can you help _______ carry those groceries?
2. If _______ calls back, come find me.
3. Isn’t _______ the cutest pony you’ve ever seen?
4. I don’t want to be in the same room as _______.
5. Tell Mom I’ll be in my room if _______ she needs me.
6. You can’t take _______ favorite stuffed animal!
7. It’s not _______ fault the shirt is stained.
8. It sounds like _______ voice, but it isn’t Jane.
9. Do you know where _______ bought those shoes?
10. I’m _______ best friend.

She Knows Her Grammar

Once you’ve mastered using “she” vs. “her,” it’s time to learn when to use “he” vs. “him.” Since they are similar concepts, it should be easy for you to understand.

Worksheet Answers:

1. her 2. she 3. she 4. her 5. she 6. her 7. her 8. her 9. she 10. her