Pronouns as Subjects (p in The Little, Brown Compact Handbook) With indefinite pronouns, use a singular or plural verb as appropriate Most indefinite pronouns are singular: Anyone, anything, everyone, each, something, etc. Ex: Everyone knows the Olympics start next week. Something smells. Neither is right.

Pronouns as Subjects Some indefinite pronouns are plural: both, few, many, several Ex: Both are correct. Several were invited. Some either singular or plural depending on the word they refer to: all, any, more, some, most Ex: All of the money is reserved for emergencies. All of the funds are reserved for emergencies.

Pronouns (p in The Little, Brown Compact Handbook) He won the prize. [subjective] The prize went to him. [objective] I won the prize. [subjective] The prize went to me. [objective] He and I won the prize. [subjective] The prize went to him and me. [objective]

Pronouns – who vs whom (p in The Little, Brown Compact Handbook) The use of who vs whom depends on the pronoun’s function in its clause: Who = subject Whom = object At the beginning of a question, use who for a subject and whom for an object  Who wrote the policy? Whom does it affect?

Pronouns – who vs whom (p in The Little, Brown Compact Handbook) The use of who vs whom depends on the pronoun’s function in its clause: Who = subjective Whom = objective A test: substitute she or he for who and her or him for whom Who makes that decision? (She makes the decision) Whom does one ask? (One asks her.)

Pronouns – who vs whom (p in The Little, Brown Compact Handbook) In a subordinate clause, use this test: Few people know [who, whom] they should ask. They should ask [she, her]. They should ask her. [objective] Few people know whom they should ask. [objective] ********************************************************************************************* They are unsure [who, whom] makes the decision. [She, Her] makes the decision. She makes the decision. They are unsure who makes the decision. [subjective]

Pronoun – Antecedent Agreement (p in The Little, Brown Compact Handbook) Make pronouns and their antecedents agree in person, number, and gender.  The antecedent is the noun or other pronoun to which the pronoun refers Ex: Homeowners fret over their tax bills. Its constant increases make the tax bill a dreaded document A student must provide his or her ID to the ACT proctor.[not their]

Avoiding Vague/Unclear Pronouns 3 causes of unclear pronoun reference: 1.More than one possible antecedent:  Emily Dickenson is sometimes compared with Jane Austen, but she was quite different.  Emily Dickenson is sometimes compared with Jane Austen, but Dickenson [or Austen] was quite different.

Avoiding Vague/Unclear Pronouns 3 causes of unclear pronoun reference: 2. Antecedent too far away:  Employees should consult with their supervisor who require personal time.  Employees who require personal time should consult with their supervisor.

Avoiding Vague/Unclear Pronouns 3 causes of unclear pronoun reference: 3. Antecedent only implied (use this, that, which, and it cautiously):  Sam found an old gun in the rotting shed that was just as his grandfather had left it. [Does that refer to gun or shed?]  Even in reality TV shows, they present a false picture of life..