Gender of Nouns and Pronouns Examples Exercises for Class 7

The Gender of Nouns and Pronouns is a crucial topic for Class 7 students, helping them understand how gender affects language usage. This includes identifying masculine, feminine, common, and neuter nouns and correctly using corresponding pronouns. Through examples and exercises, students can master this essential grammar skill.

Definition of Gender of Nouns and Pronouns in English Grammar

In grammar, gender refers to the classification of nouns and pronouns based on sex or characteristics traditionally associated with sex. These categories typically include masculine, feminine, common, and neuter genders. Each gender has its specific pronouns and forms that help define and refine meaning in sentences.

Historical Context and Evolution of Gender of Nouns and Pronouns in Language

The concept of gender in language has evolved over time. While many ancient languages had strict gender rules, modern languages are increasingly adopting gender-neutral terms to reflect contemporary values and inclusivity. Understanding the historical context of gender usage can provide insights into its current application and future trends.

The Role of Gender of Nouns and Pronouns in Different Languages

Different languages handle gender in various ways. For example, in languages like Spanish and French, nouns have inherent genders, and the corresponding articles and adjectives must agree with the noun’s gender. In contrast, English has a more flexible approach, using gender primarily for pronouns and some specific nouns.

Types of Gender in Nouns

a. Masculine Gender

Definition and Examples

Masculine gender typically refers to male entities. In English, examples include:

• Man
• Boy
• King
• Father 
• Bull 
• Cock

Usage in Sentences

• The king gave a speech to his subjects.
• A boy and his dog were playing in the park.

b. Feminine Gender

Definition and Examples

Feminine gender refers to female entities. Examples include:

• Woman
• Girl
• Queen
• Mother
• Cow 
• Hen

Usage in Sentences

• The queen attended the ceremony with her entourage.
• A girl was reading her favorite book.

c. Common Gender

Definition and Examples

Common gender nouns can refer to entities of either sex. Examples include:

• Doctor
• Teacher
• Friend
• Parent
• Pupil

Usage in Sentences

• The teacher gave their students a homework assignment.
• My friend called to check on me.

d. Neuter Gender

Definition and Examples

Neuter gender refers to entities that are neither male nor female. Examples include:

• Table
• Car
• Book
• City
• Ant
• Star

Usage in Sentences

• The book was placed on the table.
• The city is known for its vibrant nightlife.

Gender in Pronouns

The gender of a pronoun matches the gender of its corresponding noun. 

For example –

Personal Pronouns

Personal pronouns change according to gender and the role they play in a sentence.

Subject Pronouns

• Masculine: he
• Feminine: she
• Neutral/Common: they

Object Pronouns

• Masculine: him
• Feminine: her
• Neutral/Common: them

Possessive Pronouns

• Masculine: his
• Feminine: her
• Neutral/Common: their

Reflexive Pronouns

Reflexive pronouns refer back to the subject of the sentence and also change according to gender.

• Masculine: Himself
• Feminine: herself
• Neutral/Common: themselves

Indefinite Pronouns

Indefinite pronouns are used for non-specific entities and are often gender-neutral.

• Examples: anyone, everyone, someone, no one

(a) I, we, me, us, my, our, you, your, they, them, this, these, that, those, what,

Who – These pronouns are the same in Maculine and Feminine. These are the common gender.

(b) It – This pronoun is of the neuter gender. When a pronoun is substituted for a noun, the number and gender of that noun are obtained. 

• Babu is a good boy. He learns his lessons carefully. 
• Rina is a good girl. She learns her lessons carefully. 
• I have a radio. It is good. 

Notice here ‘He’ instead of Babu, and ‘She’ instead of Rina. “The pronoun” “it” “is used instead of radio.“

How to Form the Feminine from the Masculine Gender of Nouns and Pronouns

a. The following masculine nouns are feminine, using completely different words.

b. Feminine forms are created by adding -ess to the end of the following masculine nouns.

c. Some of the following masculine nouns end in -or or -er; to form the feminine version, drop the -o or -e and add -ess.

d. Before adding -ess to the following masculine nouns, some additional changes need to be made to form the feminine versions.

e. In many compound words, replace the masculine word with the feminine equivalent.

Sometimes ‘he’ is used when the gender of an animal is unknown. Look at the squirrel. How fast does he climb the tree? How quickly he climbed the tree!

Many people refer to cars and motorbikes as ‘she.’ Sailors often call boats and ships ‘she,’ but most people use ‘it.’

“How’s your new car?” “Excellent. She’s running beautifully.”

The ship fell in a storm and sank.

Using ‘she’ for countries is common, but ‘it’ is more prevalent in modern English.

Gender of Inanimate Things:

Inanimate objects are typically referred to using the neuter gender. However, when they are personified—meaning they are presented as if they are living or animate—they can be referred to using masculine or feminine terms.

Miscellaneous :

Gender-Specific Nouns

Human-related Nouns

Certain nouns specifically denote gender in humans. For instance:

• Actor (male) and Actress (female)
• Waiter (male) and Waitress (female)

Gender-Specific Titles

• Mr. (male) and Mrs. or Ms. (female)

Animal-related Nouns

Animal names often have gender-specific terms as well:

• Rooster (male) and Hen (female)
• Stallion (male) and Mare (female)

Occupational Nouns

Traditional Gender-Specific Roles

Occupational nouns can also be gender-specific, though modern usage is shifting towards gender-neutral terms:

• Policeman (male) and Policewoman (female)
• Fireman (male) and Firewoman (female)

Modern Usage

• Police Officer (gender-neutral)
• Firefighter (gender-neutral)

Gender-Neutral Language

Importance of Gender-Neutrality

Using gender-neutral language is essential in promoting equality and inclusivity. It helps avoid bias and assumptions based on gender.

Strategies for Using Gender-Neutral Language

• Use plural forms: Instead of “his or her,” use “their.”
• Use neutral terms: Replace “chairman” with “chairperson.”
• Use job titles without gender: Instead of “fireman,” use “firefighter.”

Examples of Gender-Neutral Terms

• Spouse instead of husband or wife
• Parent instead of mother or father
• Siblings instead of brothers or sisters

Common Mistakes and Confusions

Gender Agreement Errors

Errors in gender agreement occur when the gender of the noun does not match the gender of the pronoun.

• Incorrect: “Every student must bring his pencil.”
• Correct: “Every student must bring their pencil.”

Misuse of Gender-Neutral Terms

Misusing gender-neutral terms can also cause confusion. Ensure the terms fit naturally within the context.

Cultural Differences in Gender Usage

Different cultures have unique approaches to gender in language. Understanding these differences can enhance cross-cultural communication.

Exercises and Practice

Exercise 1:

1. Write the feminine gender of the following:

(i) King

(ii) Bachelor

(iii) Pratul is my

(iv) Uncle

(v) Bull-

(vi) Heir

(vii) Dog –

(viii) Horse 

(ix) Gentleman

Exercise 2:

2. Fill in the blanks with the correct gender:

(i) Pratul is my ……….. (sister/brother). 

(ii) This is the colt of a ………..  (horse/mare).

(iii) A  ……….. (tiger/tigress) gave birth to a cub.

(iv) Latika is our  ……….. (instructor/instructress).

(v) She is a  ……….. (launderer/laundress).

(vi) Mrs. Bhosle is a ………..  (millionaire/millionaress).

Exercise 3:

3. Write (M) for masculine (F) for feminine. (C) for common and (N) for neuter in the spaces provided:

(ii) Brother

(iii) Dog

(iv) Child 

(v) Actress 

(i) Cup

Exercise 4:

4. Rewrite the sentences after changing the gender:

(i) He was the emperor, 

(ii) She is a shepherdess. 

(iii) Mr. Peter is a monk. 

(iv) She is a salesgir

Exercise 5:

5. Find pairs for the words and write them in the spaces provided:

(i) Lad-

(ii) Grand-father-

(iii) Nephew- -. 

(iv) Sir-

Exercise 6:

6. Write the feminine form of the following nouns.

king, sir, dog, father, son, lad, boy, bull, ox, poet, actor, lord, son-in-law, grand father, grand son, pappa, gentleman, cock.

Exercise 7:

7.  Find out the  Masculine, Feminine, Common Neuter Gender from the folloing nouns and put in the right box:

father, son, cock, woman, daughter, girl, bitch, chair, table, baby, child, cock, picture, rice, flower. Mr., Mrs. wife, lord, master, servant, actor, goddess, bitch, teacher, student, duke, prince, hen, ewe, nun, pen, lad, wife, husband, actress, lioness, dutchess.

Exercise 8:

8. Write the masculine form of the following Nouns:

queen, lass, daughter, ewe, wife, madam, lady, princess, female, daughter, aunt, bee, cow, wom, sister, niece.

Exercise 9:

9. Rewrite the sentences changing the gender of the nouns.

(i) His son reads in class VII. 

(ii) I love him dearly. 

(iii) My grand mother is still alive.

(iv) My father is a doctor. 

(v) He lives in Delhi. 

(vi) He has a niece. 

(vii) My brother is a teacher. 

(viii) His son reads in