118. They, you, and we are often used indefinitely for “one” or “people in general.”
- They say that Joe has gone to sea.
- To shut off the steam, you close both valves of the radiator.
Note. We, our, and us are used in editorial articles instead of I, my, and me, because the writer represents the whole editorial staff. This practice should not be followed in ordinary composition.
A sovereign ruler may use we, our, and us when speaking of himself in proclamations and other formal documents. This construction is often called “the plural of majesty.” Thus,—
Know that we have divided
In three our kingdom.—Shakspere.
The form ’em (as in “Tell me your counsels; I will not disclose ’em,” in Julius Cæsar) is not a contraction of them, but of hem, an old objective plural of he.
CASE OF PERSONAL PRONOUNS
Nominative Case
119. Nominative constructions of the personal pronouns are the same as those of nouns ([§ 88]).
- I am ready. [Subject.]
- It is I. [Predicate nominative.]
- Here, you rascal, what are you about? [Vocative, direct address.]
- Poor you! [Nominative of exclamation.]
- General Austin, he and no other, won the battle. [Apposition.]