Pronoun Reference & Agreement A pronoun must clearly refer to the word it stands for. In other words, every pronoun must have a clear antecedent. Larry said that he was leaving.

Pronoun Reference & Agreement If the meaning of a pronoun is uncertain, the sentence will be confusing. There are four types of reference problems: Skiing and sailing are my two favorite hobbies, but it doesn’t interest my sister. Ambiguous reference (p. 701) This occurs when the pronoun refers to either of two antecedents.

Pronoun Reference & Agreement If the meaning of a pronoun is uncertain, the sentence will be confusing. There are four types of reference problems: The subject of the assembly was boring, and the speaker had no personality. This made the students restless. General Reference (p. 703) This occurs when a pronoun refers to a general idea rather than to a specific noun.

Pronoun Reference & Agreement If the meaning of a pronoun is uncertain, the sentence will be confusing. There are four types of reference problems: Whenever I watched a movie, I aspired to become one of them. Weak Reference (p. 706) This occurs when a pronoun refers to an antecedent that has not been expressed. ?

Pronoun Reference & Agreement If the meaning of a pronoun is uncertain, the sentence will be confusing. There are four types of reference problems: It is a good idea to study for a test. Indefinite Reference (p. 707) In formal writing, avoid the indefinite use of the pronouns it, they and you. ?

Pronoun Reference & Agreement To avoid these mistakes, simply replace the pronoun with a noun. Whenever I watched a movie, I aspired to become an actor. The subject, as well as the speaker, made the students restless. Skiing and sailing are my two favorite hobbies, but skiing doesn’t interest my sister. To study for a test is a good idea.

Pronoun Reference & Agreement Now you try. Correct the pronoun reference errors in the following sentences: She is a good babysitter, watching them closely all the time. When Stephanie told Sheila about the joke, she began to laugh. When Stephanie told Sheila about the joke, Sheila began to laugh. She is a good babysitter, watching the children closely all the time.

Pronoun Reference & Agreement Now you try. Correct the pronoun reference errors in the following sentences: I was out of money, and I was hungry, which was really unfortunate. It is difficult sometimes to tell if a person is being honest. Being hungry and out of money was really unfortunate. To tell if a person is being honest is sometimes difficult.

Pronoun Reference & Agreement Pronouns must also agree in number, person, and gender. Number indicates singular or plural. If the antecedent is singular, use a singular pronoun. If the antecedent is plural, use a plural pronoun. Jim forgot his notebook. Many students cast their votes today. *Each of the girls brought her book. Few knew their assignments. *Indefinite singular pronouns used as antecedents require singular Pronouns. Traditionally, writers have used the masculine form, but Most writers and speakers prefer to use “he or she” or “his or her.”