Pronoun/ Antecedent Agreement

Pronoun/Antecedent Agreement What does it mean? Pronouns are words like him, her, and their that refer to or take the place of a noun. Your pronouns have to “match” the word there are referring to or replacing. You also much be clear about what noun you are referring to. This is harder than it seems. 

Pronouns must agree in NUMBER If the pronoun takes the place of a singular noun, you must use a singular pronoun like he, she, or it. If a student parks a car on campus, they have to pay a fee. If a student parks a car of campus, he or she must pay a fee.

Pronouns must agree in NUMBER Remember – words like everybody, anybody, neither, each, someone, etc. are SINGULAR! They require a singular pronoun. Everybody ought to do their best. Everybody ought to do his or her best. Neither of the girls brought her umbrella. Neither of the girls brought their umbrella.

Pronouns must agree in PERSON If you are writing in the first person (I, me), don’t switch to the second (you) or third (he, she, they) person. If you are writing in the third person, don’t switch to the first or second person. When a person comes to class, he or she should have a notebook ready. When a person comes to class, you should have a notebook ready.

Refer to a SPECIFIC noun – do NOT be vague! Although the motorcycle hit the tree, it was not damaged. What was damaged? The tree or the motorcycle? I don’t think they should show violence on TV. Who are they?

Refer to a SPECIFIC noun – do NOT be vague! Vacation is soon, which is nice. What is nice? Vacation or the fact that it’s soon? George worked in a national forest this summer. This may be his life’s work. What does this refer to? If you put this sheet in your notebook, you can refer to it. What can you refer to – the notebook or the sheet?