Gender in relation to animals, things and countries

   1)      We use it to refer to animals, as if they were things. We only use he, she and who when there is a reason for doing so, for example, when we refer to a poet:

Rover’s a good dog. He is my best friend. Bessie’s a fine cow. She gives a lot of milk.

   2)       We use he or she to refer to 'lower animals' when, for example, we regard their activities with interest: Look at that frog! Look at the way he jumps!

   3)       We sometimes refer to ships, cars, motorbikes and other machines as she, when the reference is 'affectionate': My old car's not fast, but she does 50 miles to the gallon.

   4)       Some writers refer to a country as she when they're thinking of it 'as a person':

In 194 1, America assumed her role as a world power.

Write: Supply suitable pronouns in the following. Alternatives are possible.

1 What do you call your dog? - …She… is called Flossie.

2 There's a dog in our neighbourhood that barks all night. ..................... ' s getting on my nerves.

3 They're launching a new ship in Portsmouth and I've been invited to see ..................... launched.

4 The Titanic may be at the bottom of the sea, but..................... ' s never forgotten.

5 1 run a car in London, but I really don't need.....................

6 This old car of mine may be falling to pieces, but ....................'s all I've got.

7 Did you see that frog? .....................jumped right in front of us!

8 1 saw a frog in our garden. - Where did you see ......................7

9 You can't see America in a week, you know. ..................... ' s a big country!

10 In the 19th century America welcomed the European poor. .....................opened her arms to them.

11 ' ....................'.s a cunning fox,' the monkey said to the hen. 'Be careful!' .

12 They've just found an old wreck off the coast of Florida. ....................'s . probably Spanish.