Pronoun-antecedent Disagreement - Darton College

Online Writing CenterDarton State College

It is a word that takes the place of a noun.◦ The book is on the table. It is open.◦ Pete was injured in an accident. He is now fine.◦ Where is the dog? He is sleeping in the kitchen.

Possessive pronounsMy (mine), your (yours), his, her (hers), its, our(s),your(s), their (theirs), and whose.Whose car is blocking the driveway? Reflexive pronounsmyself, yourself, himself, herself, itself,ourselves, yourselves, themselves.We can see ourselves in the mirror.

An antecedent is a noun for which a pronounstands in.◦ The book is on the table. It is open.◦ The dog is in the kitchen. It is sleeping.◦ My mom is a good cook. She can bake well too. (Antecedents appear in red and pronounsappear in blue.)

Singular pronouns MUST refer to singular antecedentsand plural pronouns MUST refer to pluralantecedents.*When a person is sick, they should seek medicalhelp.Pronoun: “they”Antecedent: “person”The sentence is wrong because “they” is plural, but“person” is singular, so they do not agree in number.* Asterisks denote an incorrect sentence.

Here is a wrong sentence:*When a student studies diligently, they show that theycare enough about their future.There are two options to fix the mistake:1. Leave the antecedent singular and change the pronoun tosingular as well: When a STUDENT studies, HE OR SHEshows that HE OR SHE cares enough about HIS OR HERfuture.2. Make the antecedent plural: When STUDENTS study, THEYshow that THEY care enough about THEIR future.Which fix is better? Of course the second option is betterbecause that avoids the repetition of the double pronoun!

Masculine pronouns must refer to masculineantecedents:◦ Jimmy has improved his grades during the lastsemester. (masculine)◦ Nora considers herself an outstanding athlete.(feminine)◦ The tree casts its long shadow over the pavement.(neutral)

“Person” indicates whether a pronoun refers topeople who speak in first person (“I” or “we”),second person (“you”), or third person (“he,” “she,”“it,” or “they”).◦ I convinced myself to improve my health by walking more.(first person singular)◦ We convinced ourselves to improve our health by walkingmore. (first person plural)◦ Do you understand your new tasks? (second personsingular or plural)◦ Danny is convinced that the blue scarf is his. (third personsingular)◦ Emma and John designed the Chapter 1 quiz bythemselves. (third person plural)

Indefinite pronouns as antecedents needingsingular pronouns:anybody anyone anything each either everybodyeveryone everything neither nobody no one nothingone somebody someone something• Each of the birds built its own nest.• Everybody must learn his or her lines alone.• Neither of the boys can find his glasses.

Indefinite pronouns as antecedents needingplural pronouns:both few many several◦ Several of the freshmen students voiced their appreciationfor the warm welcome on campus.◦ The President met with a few of the soldiers and theirfamilies.

Use a plural pronoun with compoundantecedents joined by “and.”◦ Jim and Penny take very good care of their house.◦ Even though Laura and Brian love to travel, they decidedto stay home this summer.‣ Sometimes two nouns are joined by “and,” yet theyname only one person, place, or thing.o My mom is making macaroni and cheese. It is myabsolute favorite food.

Use a singular pronoun to refer to two ormore singular antecedents joined by “or” or“nor.”◦ Neither Tommy nor Steve is willing to give up hisseat.

1. An online student should know how to managetheir time.2. College assignments are not always easy. Ittakes time to complete.3. When driving, one must pay attention to roadsigns, they must watch other vehicles, and youalso must drive according to road conditions.4. A successful student in one who manages theirtime effectively.5. Once a student learns how to maneuver aroundtheir classes, it makes it easier for them to getadjusted to being online.

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