What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
he
Example
He is my brother. [he: pronoun]
Example
The dog barked when he saw the mailman. [he: pronoun]
boy
Example
The boy played with his toys in the living room. [boy: noun]
Example
The boys ran around the park, laughing and shouting. [boys: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
He is much more commonly used than boy in everyday language. He is a basic pronoun that is used frequently in speech and writing, while boy is more specific and less commonly used.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between he and boy?
He is more formal than boy, which is often used in informal or casual settings. He is a neutral pronoun that can be used in both formal and informal contexts.