Definitions:
Antecedent/Subject : Is the noun or pronoun to which a pronoun refers in a sentence
Pronoun: A word that takes the place of a noun in a sentence.
Singular Pronouns: He, She, His, Her, It, Anybody, Anyone, Each, Everybody, Everyone,
Somebody, Someone, Every, Nobody, No one, Neither, Either
Plural Pronouns: They, Their, Both, Few, Many, Several
A pronoun must agree in person, number, and gender with its antecedent.
Rule #1: If you use a singular noun or pronoun you must use a singular pronoun to refer to
the original.
For example:
Cora
solved the problem on
(A)
her
home computer.
(P)
You try:
Underline the antecedent and pronoun in the following sentences. Place an A below the
antecedent and a P below the pronoun.
A. Martin drove his car to school.
B. Brenda picked up her children from daycare.
Rule #2: If you use a plural noun or pronoun you must use a plural pronoun to refer to the
original.
For example:
Students
(A)
lost
their
privileges.
(P)
You try:
A. Historians displayed their collection of early Canadiana at the museum.
B.
Ten tourists waited patiently in line for their tickets.
Also, remember that the following pronouns are always plural.
BOTH
FEW
MANY
SEVERAL
For example:
Several of the photography students entered their self-portraits in a contest.
(A)
(P)
You try:
Check the bolded pronouns to make sure they agree with their antecedents.
If the pronoun does not agree with its antecedent, write the proper pronoun in the blank. If
a pronoun agrees with its antecedent, write Correct.
A. Both teachers decided to have his tests on the same day. _____________________
B. Many people entered their drawings into the art contest. _____________________
Rule #3: The following antecedents are referred to by SINGULAR PRONOUNS even though they
appear to be plural:
ANYBODY/ANYONE
EACH
EVERYBODY/EVERYONE
SOMEBODY/SOMEONE
EVERY
NOBODY/NO ONE
NEITHER
EITHER
For example:
Each of the clubs will present its own program on Friday. (Correct)
(A)
(P)
Each of the clubs will present their own program on Friday. (Incorrect)
You try:
If the pronoun does not agree with its antecedent, write the proper pronoun in the blank. If
a pronoun agrees with its antecedent, write Correct.
A. Each girl should bring their scout handbook and merit badge guide on the field trip.
_________________________
B. Nobody is willing to give up his or her parking space for the guest speaker.
_________________________
Rule #4: Singular antecedents joined by OR or NOR are referred to by a singular pronoun.
For example:
Either Annie or Jane will give her report today.
(A)
(P)
You try:
A. Neither Anton nor Mike wants their painting changed at the exhibit.
_______________________
B. Has either Sean or Stacey finished his or her report?
_______________________
Extra Practice:
Check the bolded pronouns to make sure they agree with their antecedents.
If the pronoun does not agree with its antecedent, write the proper pronoun in the blank. If
a pronoun agrees with its antecedent, write Correct.
1.
The horse threw its rider onto the ground.
__________________________
2.
The hockey team is having their picture taken.
__________________________
3.
The cast went their separate way when the play ended.
_________________________
4.
When even one student forgets their assignment, the entire class suffers the consequences.
_________________________
5. Is each representative going to deliver their speech in front of the camera?