What is he? Pronunciation and usage in English

he means . Learn how to pronounce and use he through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of he

hepronoun

/hiː/
Definition & pronunciation of he

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "he" in English. It's a tricky one for some learners!

The most common and generally accepted pronunciation is /hi/ (rhymes with "pie").

Here's a breakdown of how to say it:

  • "H" sound: Like the "h" in "hat." It's a breathy sound.
  • "e" sound: This is where it gets tricky. It's not like the "e" in "bed" or "see." Instead, it's a very short, quick "ih" sound, like in "bit" or "think." It's a very subtle sound.

Putting it together: /hi/

Here are a few ways to hear it:

  • Google it: Search on Google for "how to pronounce he in English". You'll find audio clips and videos.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/he/ - This website offers recordings of native speakers pronouncing the word in various accents.
  • YouTube: Search for “how to pronounce he in English” on YouTube. Many videos demonstrate the sound.

Important Note: Regional Variations

While /hi/ is the most common, you might hear slight variations, particularly in British English:

  • British English: Sometimes it's pronounced closer to /heɪ/ (rhymes with "say"). This is a diphthong (a combination of two vowel sounds), and it's becoming less common, especially in younger speakers.

Tips for getting it right:

  • Listen carefully: The key is to listen to native speakers and mimic their pronunciation.
  • Isolate the "ih" sound: Practice saying "ih" by itself a few times. Then, try blending it with the "h" sound.
  • Don't over-emphasize it: It’s a quick, small sound.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • Where are you from? (This helps me understand potential regional variations you might be encountering.)

Usage and examples with the word he in English

Let's break down how to use the word "he" correctly in English. It's a pronoun, specifically a masculine singular pronoun, and it refers to a male person. Here's a comprehensive guide:

1. Basic Usage: Referring to a Male Person

  • Most Common Use: "He" is used to refer back to a male person that has already been mentioned or is understood.

    • Example: "John is a talented musician. He plays the guitar beautifully." (Here, "He" refers back to "John.")
    • Example: "My brother always helps me with my homework. He is very responsible." (Referring to your brother.)

2. Pronoun Agreement - Crucially Important!

  • Must agree in number and gender: “He” only works if you’ve previously introduced the person as male. Don't use "he" to refer to a female. Use "she" instead.

    • Incorrect: "John is a talented musician. She plays the guitar beautifully."
    • Correct: "John is a talented musician. He plays the guitar beautifully." OR "My sister is a talented musician. She plays the guitar beautifully."

3. When the Person's Identity is Known or Assumed

  • Established Identity: If you’ve already clearly established that someone is male, you can use "he” without explicitly stating it beforehand.

    • Example: "The doctor told me to rest. He said I needed a week off.” (You know the doctor is male.)
    • Example: "The detective examined the scene. He found a crucial clue.” (It's understood the detective is male).

  • Assumed Identity (Use with caution!): Sometimes, you can infer someone's gender, but this can be risky and should be done carefully, especially in formal writing. It's generally best to be specific if possible.

    • Example (Potentially Problematic): "The student excelled in the exam. He worked very hard." (If you’re not sure of the student's gender, this is better to rephrase.)
    • Better Alternative: "The student excelled in the exam. The student worked very hard." OR “The student worked very hard and excelled in the exam.”

4. "He," "Him," and "His" - Related Words

  • "He" is the pronoun (referring to a male).
  • "Him" is the object pronoun (used when "he" is the object of a verb or preposition).
    • Example: "I gave the book to him."
  • "His" is the possessive adjective (shows ownership by a male).
    • Example: "This is his car.”

5. Avoiding Gender Bias

  • Use neutral language when possible: If you’re unsure of someone’s gender, or if it’s not important, avoid using pronouns altogether. Rephrase the sentence.

    • Instead of: “He finished the report.”
    • Try: “The worker finished the report.” OR “The person finished the report.”

  • Use Singular “They” (Increasingly Accepted): As a non-binary inclusive option, “they/them/their” is becoming increasingly common as a singular, gender-neutral pronoun. (e.g., "If someone needs help, they should contact the volunteer.")

6. Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using "he" to refer to a female: This is a very common error. Always double-check your pronoun agreement.
  • Overusing "he": Vary your sentence structure to avoid repetitive use of "he."

Resources for Further Learning:

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples?
  • Explain a specific situation (e.g., using "he" in a formal letter)?
  • Talk about the use of “they/them” as a pronoun?

Synonyms for the word he

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