Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement for Collective Nouns: Rules and Examples

📚 Quick Study Guide

• 🧑‍🏫 Definition: A collective noun names a group of people or things (e.g., team, family, committee).
• 🤝 Agreement: Pronouns must agree in number (singular or plural) with their antecedents (the nouns they refer to).
• ☝️ Singular Usage: If the group acts as a single unit, use a singular pronoun. Example: The team *is* playing *its* best.
• 👯 Plural Usage: If the group members act individually, use a plural pronoun. Example: The team *are* arguing about *their* individual performances.
• 💡 Context is Key: The meaning of the sentence determines whether the collective noun is singular or plural.
• 📝 Examples:
  • Singular: The family *is* having *its* dinner.
  • Plural: The family *are* choosing *their* own meals.

🧪 Practice Quiz

1. Which sentence uses correct pronoun-antecedent agreement with a collective noun?
   1. The committee has made their decision.
   2. The committee have made its decision.
   3. The committee has made its decision.
   4. The committee are making its decision.
2. The band is recording ______ new album this week.
   1. their
   2. its
   3. it's
   4. there
3. The class are handing in ______ projects.
   1. its
   2. their
   3. it's
   4. there
4. The jury reached ______ verdict.
   1. their
   2. it's
   3. its
   4. there
5. The audience showed ______ appreciation with a standing ovation.
   1. their
   2. its
   3. it's
   4. there
6. The flock of birds is flying to ______ winter home.
   1. their
   2. its
   3. it's
   4. there
7. The company announced ______ profits for the year.
   1. their
   2. it's
   3. there
   4. its