Here's a breakdown:
* Replaces: Pronouns stand in for other words, avoiding repetition.
* Noun or noun phrase: Pronouns can substitute for a single noun (like "he" for "John") or a whole group of words describing a person, place, or thing (like "it" for "the large, green house").
Examples:
* He is going to the store. (He replaces "John")
* They went to the park. (They replaces "Sarah and her friends")
* It is raining. (It replaces "the weather")
There are many different types of pronouns, including:
* Personal pronouns: I, you, he, she, it, we, they
* Possessive pronouns: mine, yours, his, hers, its, ours, theirs
* Reflexive pronouns: myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourselves, themselves
* Demonstrative pronouns: this, that, these, those
* Interrogative pronouns: who, whom, whose, what, which
Understanding pronouns is crucial for clear and concise writing!