Common Mistakes with Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement and Person

📚 What is Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement?

Pronoun-antecedent agreement means that a pronoun must agree in number (singular/plural) and gender (masculine/feminine/neuter) with the noun it refers to (the antecedent). Think of it like a dance: the pronoun follows the lead of its antecedent.

📜 A Brief History

The rules of pronoun-antecedent agreement have evolved over centuries, reflecting changing attitudes towards gender and language usage. Historically, prescriptive grammar emphasized strict adherence to rules, while modern approaches often acknowledge more flexibility, especially with singular 'they'. However, clarity is always key!

🔑 Key Principles of Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement

• 🔢 Singular Antecedents: Use singular pronouns (he, she, it, him, her, his, hers, its). Example: The student finished their homework. (Incorrect) The student finished his or her homework. (Correct)
• 👯 Plural Antecedents: Use plural pronouns (they, them, their). Example: The students finished his homework. (Incorrect) The students finished their homework. (Correct)
• 🤝 Compound Antecedents (joined by 'and'): Generally plural. Example: John and Mary submitted his or her application. (Incorrect) John and Mary submitted their application. (Correct)
• 🤔 Compound Antecedents (joined by 'or' or 'nor'): Agree with the antecedent closest to the pronoun. Example: Neither the students nor the teacher remembered their book. (Incorrect) Neither the students nor the teacher remembered her book. (Correct)
• 👥 Indefinite Pronouns: Some are singular (each, everyone, someone, nobody), others are plural (both, few, several, many), and some can be either (all, some, none, any). Use context to determine number. Example: Everyone should bring their own lunch. (Informal Correct) Everyone should bring his or her own lunch. (Formal Correct)
• 🏢 Collective Nouns: Can be singular or plural depending on whether they're acting as a unit or as individuals. Example: The team is playing its best. (acting as a unit) The team are arguing amongst themselves. (acting as individuals)

🎭 Common Mistakes with Person

'Person' refers to whether you're speaking about yourself (first person: I, me, we, us), the person you're speaking to (second person: you), or someone/something else (third person: he, she, it, they, him, her, them). Consistent person is crucial for clear writing.

• 🙋 Shifting Person: Avoid switching between first, second, and third person without a clear reason. Example: When a person studies hard, you will succeed. (Incorrect) When a person studies hard, he or she will succeed. (Correct)
• ⚠️ Unnecessary Use of 'One': Overusing 'one' can sound stilted. Consider rephrasing. Example: One should always check one's work. (Correct, but potentially stilted) You should always check your work. (Better)
• 🎯 Clarity is Key: If the antecedent is unclear, rewrite the sentence. Example: The dog chased the cat, but it got away. (Unclear - who is 'it'?) The dog chased the cat, but the cat got away. (Clear)

💡 Real-World Examples

Let's look at some practical examples to illustrate these principles:

✅ Conclusion

Mastering pronoun-antecedent agreement and person consistency enhances the clarity and professionalism of your writing. By understanding the key principles and avoiding common mistakes, you can communicate more effectively and confidently. Remember to always double-check your work!