Here's why:
* Pronouns are single words: They stand in for nouns, and their function is to avoid repetition.
* Two-word phrases usually have a different function, such as acting as a prepositional phrase, adjective phrase, or adverbial phrase.
For example, phrases like "to them" or "by us" are not pronouns. They are prepositional phrases.
Let me know if you have any other questions about pronouns or grammar!