Personal vs Impersonal Pronouns: Definition, Uses, Examples

Pronouns play an essential role in English grammar. They replace nouns and make sentences easier to understand. Among different types of pronouns, personal pronouns and impersonal pronouns are widely used in everyday communication. If you are confused about their meanings, uses, or examples, this article will help you understand the concepts clearly. We will explore the personal and impersonal pronouns definition, uses, examples and key differences using simple explanations.

Shivam Singh20 Jan, 2026

Personal vs Impersonal Pronouns

Before understanding Personal vs Impersonal Pronouns, it is important to know what each type means. Personal pronouns refer to specific people or things, such as I, you, he, she, or they. They help identify the speaker, the listener, or the person being talked about. On the other hand, impersonal pronouns do not point to any particular person or object. They are used for general statements, weather, time, or situations where the subject is unknown or not important.

Read More: Emphatic Pronoun

What are Personal Pronouns?

Personal pronouns are words used to replace the name of a person, group, or object. They directly point to someone or something.

Examples include I, you, he, she, we, they, me, him, her, us, them.

Many learners also search for what is a personal pronoun or personal pronoun definition. In simple words: A personal pronoun is a pronoun that refers to a specific person or thing in a sentence.

Some students also confuse “personal noun” and “personal pronoun.” Remember:

A personal noun refers to an actual person (like teacher, boy, doctor).
A personal pronoun replaces that noun (like he, she).

Uses of Personal Pronouns in Sentence

Personal pronouns are used in many ways:

To avoid repetition
Rita is intelligent. She always works hard.
To indicate the speaker
I want to learn English.
To refer to others
They are coming to the party.
To replace objects
Give me the book.

Personal pronouns change form based on number, gender, and case (subjective, objective, possessive).

Read More: Demonstrative Pronouns

Personal Pronouns Examples

Here are some simple personal pronouns examples you can use for practice:

I am going to school.
You are my best friend.
He solved the maths question.
We will join the meeting.
The teacher gave them homework.
She asked him to wait.

These examples also help you create better noun and pronoun sentences for writing tasks.

What are Impersonal Pronouns?

An impersonal pronoun does not refer to any specific person, thing, or group. It is used in general statements, facts, or sentences where the doer of the action is unknown or unimportant.

Impersonal Pronoun Definition is a pronoun used to express general ideas or actions without pointing to a specific person.

Common impersonal pronouns include: it, one, they, you (when used in a general sense), something, anything, everything.

Read More: Reflexive Pronoun

Uses of Impersonal Pronouns in Sentence

Impersonal pronouns are used:

To express general rules or facts
It is important to study regularly.
To talk about weather or time
It is raining.
It is 5 o’clock.
To give general suggestions
One should always be honest.
To talk about unidentified people
They say this place is haunted.
To express situations without a clear subject
It seems difficult to understand.

Impersonal Pronouns Examples

Here are some easy impersonal pronouns examples for practice:

It is very cold today.
One must follow traffic rules.
They say hard work brings success.
It doesn’t matter now.
Something is wrong here.
Anything can happen.

These sentences show that impersonal pronouns help express ideas without naming a specific person or thing.

Read More: Reciprocal Pronouns

Difference between Personal and Impersonal Pronouns

Here is a simple comparison table for better understanding:

Feature	Personal Pronouns	Impersonal Pronouns
Refers To	Specific people or things	No specific person or thing
Examples	I, he, she, we, they, me, him	it, one, they (general), something
Use	To replace a known noun	To express general ideas or actions
Personal Connection	Direct, identifies the speaker/hearer	Neutral, no identified subject
Sentence Example	She is reading.	It is raining.

In short, personal pronouns make sentences more direct, while impersonal pronouns help express general thoughts without pointing at anyone.

Boost Your Child’s English Skills with CuriousJr

Are you concerned that your child isn’t learning English the right way? Many lessons focus only on memorising, which leaves children unsure when it comes to speaking, reading, or writing.

CuriousJr’s English Online Classes solve this problem with a structured program designed for children aged 6 to 14. The course includes levels like Starters, Movers, Key, and Preliminary, allowing your child to learn step by step at a comfortable pace.

With Cambridge-certified fluency training, children develop grammar, vocabulary, and public speaking skills in an easy and enjoyable manner.
Live interactive sessions ensure personal attention, proper guidance, and regular feedback, helping your child speak clearly and confidently.
Each course level builds real communication skills so your child not only learns English but also uses it naturally in daily life.

Book a demo class today and experience how CuriousJr’s English by Cambridge program can help your child become a confident English speaker.

Personal vs Impersonal Pronouns FAQ

What is a personal pronoun?

A personal pronoun refers to a specific person or thing, such as I, you, he, she, we, they.

What is an impersonal pronoun?

An impersonal pronoun does not refer to a specific person or object. Examples include it, one, they (general), something.

Can 'it' be a personal and impersonal pronoun?

Yes. 1. It is personal when referring to a specific object (‘I saw a cat. It was cute.’) 2. It is impersonal when used for weather, time, or general statements (‘It is raining.’)