What Are Grammatical Cases?
In English, a case shows the grammatical relationship between nouns, pronouns, and other words in a sentence. Though English has fewer cases than many languages, they are still essential to proper structure and meaning.
1. Nominative Case (Subject Case)
The nominative case is used for the subject of a sentence — the person or thing performing the action.
Here, she is the subject, so it’s in the nominative case.
2. Objective Case (Accusative Case)
The objective (or accusative) case is used for the object of a verb or preposition — the receiver of the action.
Here, him is the object, so it’s in the objective case.
3. Possessive Case (Genitive Case)
The possessive (or genitive) case shows ownership or relation between nouns.
“Ahmad’s” shows possession — the notebook belongs to Ahmad.
4. Vocative Case (Addressing)
The vocative case is used when directly addressing someone or something.
“O Allah” is vocative — it’s a direct address.
5. Dative Case (Indirect Object)
The dative case identifies the indirect object — the person for whom or to whom something is done.
Here, “her friend” is the indirect object (dative case).
6. Instrumental Case (By Means Of)
The instrumental case shows the means or tool by which an action is performed. Though not marked distinctly in English, it’s implied through prepositions like “with” or “by”.
“With a pen” expresses the instrument of writing.
7. Locative Case (Place or Position)
The locative case expresses location or position, typically through prepositions.
“In London” indicates the location — the idea of the locative case.
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