Nominative, Accusative and Possessive Cases

Nominative Case

When a noun or pronoun is used as a subject of the verb, it is said to be in nominative case or subjective case. Such pronouns or nouns serve as subjects of the verb, that’s why; they are called nominative pronouns. To identify the nominative, use the words WHO? or WHAT? For example, in the following sentences, the pronouns Ahmad, She, We and They have been used as subjects of the verbs:

1. Ahmad wrote him a letter.
2. She is riding a bicycle.
3. We are watching a movie.
4. They have won the match.

Accusative Case

When a noun or pronoun is used as object of the verb, then, such a noun or pronoun is said to be in accusative case. A noun in such a position is also called objective pronoun. To find out the accusative case or the objective pronoun, just ask the questions WHOM? or WHAT? For example, in the following sentences, the words novels, cricket, teachers and books are all in accusative or objective case.

1. Saleem has written many novels.
2. We are playing cricket.
3. They thanked their teachers.
4. We bought many books.

Accusative case is also called objective case on account of its function as object of the verb.

Possessive Case

Possessive case is also called genitive case. It is a form of noun, which shows ownership or possession of the pronoun. The possessive pronoun answers the question WHOSE? For example, in the following sentences, the nouns Ahmad’s, Adela’s, Butcher’s and Philip’s are all in possessive case:

1. This is Ahmad’s book.
2. Adela’s purse is lying on the table.
3. You must go to the butcher’s shop.
4. Philip’s car collided with a truck.

How to Form Possessive Nouns

Usually, the possessive nouns are made in the following ways:

1. If a noun does not end on letter s, add ‘s to it. For example, Joe’s book, King’s thrown, men’s clothes.
2. If a noun ends on letter s, add only apostrophe and omit the letter s. For example, girls’ books, boys’ pants, Keats’ poems, Dickens’ novels.

Look at the following table, wherein the nominative, accusative and possessive pronouns have been shown: