1. Pronoun Shift- DAY TWO

2. Pronoun Shift - Number
A pronoun must agree in number (singular or plural) with its antecedent, or the word to which it refers. A shift in pronoun number occurs when a pronoun and its antecedent do not agree in number. One way to fix a shift in pronoun number is to change the antecedent and leave the pronoun as it is.

3. Use a singular pronoun to refer to a singular antecedent.
REFERS TO
One story has its setting in Egypt.
story
its

4. Use a plural pronoun to refer to a plural antecedent.
REFERS TO
The characters have their motives for murder.
characters
their

5. Pronoun Shift – Number Examples
Incorrect: A child can learn to depend on their parents for support. (child is a singular noun; their is a plural pronoun) Correct: Children can learn to depend on their parents for support. (children is a plural noun; their is a plural pronoun)
Incorrect: A parent should help their child stay safe. (parent is a singular noun; there is a plural pronoun) Correct: A parent should help his or her child stay safe. (parent is a singular noun; his and her are singular pronouns)
Incorrect: Helen and Allie showed us her baseball caps. Correct: Helen and Allie showed us their baseball caps.

6. Pronoun Shift - Person
A pronoun must agree in person (first, second, or third person) with its antecedent. To avoid shifts in pronoun person, do not use you, a second-person pronoun, to refer to an antecedent in the third person. Change you to a third-person pronoun or replace it with a noun.

7. The pronoun must agree in person with the antecedent.
THIRD PERSON
Louis
Louis likes his mysteries to have surprise endings.
his

8. Pronoun Shift – Person Examples
Incorrect: When my mom was in school, you had to use a typewriter. Correct: When my mom was in school, she had to use a typewriter. Correct: When my mom was in school, students had to use typewriters.
Incorrect: I like visiting Boston, where you can go on duck tours. Correct: I like visiting Boston, where I can go on duck tours.

9. If the pronoun does NOT agree; you must SHIFT your pronouns so that they do agree.

10. Pronoun Shift Activity
Show what you’ve learned! Using this PRONOUN SHIFT PowerPoint, complete the pronoun case packet.
When you’re finished, turn the packet in and begin esparking! (All quests are due THIS FRIDAY!)