Advanced … min read · Updated 2026-06-20

Cases of Nouns

A noun's case shows its job: subjective (the doer), objective (the receiver), or possessive (the owner).

CaseJobExample
Subjectivedoes the actionAli runs.
Objectivereceives the actionI saw Ali.
Possessiveshows ownershipAli's book

The teacher praised the class. (subjective)

The class thanked the teacher. (objective)

This is the teacher's desk. (possessive)

The possessive adds 's (the boy's bag) or just ' for plural nouns already ending in s (the boys' bags).

Common mistake: Putting the apostrophe wrong: "the childrens' toys" → the children's toys (children is already plural).

✏️ Test Yourself

1. **The teacher** praised him.

2. We met **the teacher**.

3. **The teacher's** desk.

4. **Ali** kicked the ball.

📒 Words to learn

Bring to light (Expression)

MeaningTo reveal something that was previously unknown.

The investigation brought to light several issues with the company's practices.

At the drop of a hat (Idiom)

MeaningTo do something immediately and without hesitation.

She is ready to travel at the drop of a hat.

Jubilant (Adj)

MeaningFeeling or expressing great happiness and triumph.

The crowd was jubilant after their team won the championship.

Set the record straight (Idiom)

MeaningTo correct a misunderstanding or clarify facts.

I need to set the record straight about what really happened that night.

Take up (Phrasal verb)

MeaningTo begin a new activity or hobby.

He took up painting after retiring from his job.

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