Subjective vs Objective

<p>I have a Question concerning the use of "we" vs "us".</p>

<p>For we students, concern about impending tuition hikes was even more acute than apprehension about final exams. </p>

<p>I chose "we" as the error correctly but am left confused by the explanation given under Collegeboard's Book Owners Area:</p>

<p>"The error in this sentence occurs at (A), where there is an improper pronoun case. The pronoun “we” is the object of the preposition “For” and thus belongs in the objective case (“us”)."</p>

<p>Does it mean to say that the error is in using "we" because the correct pronoun to be used is the objective pronoun instead of "we", a subjective pronoun?</p>

<p>Another related question is whether the first part "for... students" is in subjective or objective case? I understand that "we" is subjective and "us" is objective, but for such a question, how do we determine if "for ... students" is subjective or objective. This is different from the usual "you and I" or "you and me" clause.</p>

<p>Thanks in Advance!!</p>

<p>“we” is the object of the preposition (for), so it needs to be in the accusative case (us).</p>

<p>Example of accusative vs nominative.</p>

<p>We ate icecream. Nominative
The police chased us. Accusative
The priest prayed for us. accusative</p>

<p>So I am right in saying that the error is in using “we” because the correct pronoun to be used is the objective pronoun, “us”, instead of “we”, a subjective pronoun?</p>

<p>

Yes.

Yes.

It’s a prepositional phrase, not a noun, so it’s neither subjective nor objective. Only nouns can be subjective or objective. In the sentence He hit the ball, “He” is the subject and “ball” is the object. If you say He hit the ball with a bat, you use the prepositional phrase “with a bat,” which as nothing to do with subjectivity/objectivity.</p>

<p>Thanks crazybandit and GreedIsGood!</p>

<p>An easy way is to just remove the “students”
“For we” isn’t correct but “For us” is.
I wouldn’t even have to read the rest of the question to know the answer.</p>

<p>For subjects, use we; for objects, use us. The subject of sentences like you’ve given comes right after the comma (concern). <– keep in mind during test!</p>