फ़्लैशकार्ड

Grammatical case shows how a word functions within a clause. In everyday spoken English, nouns keep the same shape whether they perform an action or receive one. Pronouns change shape to show that difference clearly. When Elena hands Maya a basket, Elena is the subject and Maya is the recipient. Replacing their names with pronouns requires she for Elena and her for Maya, showing who acts and who receives.

She handed him the basket of cups before the meal started.