him

IPA/hɪm/
KK[hˈɪm]IPA/hɪm/

him — pronoun

1. The object form of "he" — used instead of "he" when the male being (a man, a boy

1.pronounA1
Definition

The object form of "he" — used instead of "he" when the male being (a man, a boy, or a male creature of any kind) is the grammatical object of a sentence: it comes after a verb, after a preposition, or after a linking verb such as "be." The referent is someone already introduced or clearly understood from the situation.

Example

Trang called him twice last night but got no answer.

object of verb: called him

The package is for Asher — please give it to him.

after preposition: to him

Antonyms
  • her

    Female equivalent — used when referring to a female person or animal as the object

Grammar Patterns

verb + him

preposition + him

be + him

Usage Note

Object of a verb or preposition. Unlike subject "he" (which goes before the verb), "him" goes after the verb or preposition. Frequently used with the verb "be" in formal English: "It was him who called." (Some grammar guides prefer "It is he" in very formal writing, but "It is him" is standard in everyday speech.)

Common Mistakes

Him went to the store.
He went to the store.
"Him" is the object form; use "he" as the subject before the verb.
I saw he at the park.
I saw him at the park.
After a verb like "saw," use the object form "him," not the subject form "he."

2. A traditional use of the male object pronoun where the person's gender is either

2.pronounB2
Definition

A traditional use of the male object pronoun where the person's gender is either unknown or not relevant. It appears after verbs and prepositions in older or formal English, treating the male form as a default for any person. In contemporary writing, "them" (singular they) has largely replaced this pattern.

Example

If a student wishes to appeal, the school must notify him of the procedure.

generic reference: a student ... him

The hotel will greet each guest and show him to the room.

Synonyms
  • them

    Modern gender-neutral alternative; singular "they/them" is now widely accepted where traditional grammar used "he/him"

Grammar Patterns

indefinite antecedent + verb + him

preposition + him (generic)

Usage Note

This generic use of "him" is increasingly seen as outdated. Many style guides now recommend "them" (singular they) instead: "If a student wishes to appeal, the school must notify them." However, "him" in this sense still appears in older texts, legal documents, and formal policies. Distinguish from sense 1: in sense 1 the referent is clearly male; in sense 2 the referent could be any person regardless of gender.

Common Mistakes

Using 'him' generically in conversation or modern writing where 'them' sounds more natural.
If anyone calls, tell them I will be late.
Singular 'them' is now the standard choice for gender-neutral reference.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: pronoun/1

These four words are the object forms of English personal pronouns. "Him" (male) and "her" (female) specify the gender of the person being referred to, while "it" is used for objects, animals, or babies when gender is unknown or irrelevant. "Them" is the plural object pronoun for any group, and in modern usage also replaces "him" as a gender-neutral singular. Learners often confuse "him" with "his" (possessive: "That is his book") and with "himself" (reflexive: "He hurt himself"). Key difference: "him" receives the action, "he" performs it. Example: "Ryo saw him at the station" (object) vs. "He saw Ryo at the station" (subject).

him ↗her ↗it ↗them ↗

Common collocations

Phrases

  • give it to him
  • tell him
  • ask him
  • call him
  • for him to

Prepositions

  • to him
  • for him
  • with him
  • about him
  • at him
  • from him
  • of him

Etymology

Old EnglishMiddle EnglishModern English

"Him" comes from Old English "him," which was the dative case form of "he" (meaning "to/for him"). During the Middle English period, the dative "him" merged with the accusative form "hine" (the direct object form), creating a single object pronoun that works for both direct and indirect objects. This is the same historical process that gave us "them" and "her" as merged case forms.