Most Common English Words (no. 16)

He” is the 16th most common English word. Like the first pronoun in the list, “I“, it’s easy to remember how to use this pronoun because there’s just one rule:

It is used as a subject in a sentence. It takes the place of a man, boy, or male animal that has already been mentioned earlier.

  • I’ll call John tonight. He said he wants to tell me something.
  • I want that dog. He’s so cute.

Before, “he” was used to refer to a person whose gender is not know. Now, many people use “he/she” or “they” instead.

  • Someone left his umbrella in the classroom.
  • Every child has to be given what he needs.