Writing Better
Pronoun - Antecedent Agreement
Remember
Number
The number of things referred to or included in a word. If
there’s only a number of one—a book—the word is singular.
If there’s more than one—the books—the number is plural.
Likewise for pronouns: “It” is singular; “They” is plural.
Antecedent
The noun which a pronoun substitutes for or refers to.
The dog ate her lunch.
Number
Antecedent
singular
“dog”
A Pronoun must agree in number with its antecedent
So use “it” to refer to “a book.” Use “they” to refer to “the books.”
Error: Every student enjoys their spring break when they have no homework.
Correction: Every student enjoys her break when she has no homework.
Correction: All students enjoy their break when they have no homework.
Exercise: Any student who says (she or they?) doesn’t like Chuck’s food is kidding (herself or
themselves?). (Hint: Look at the context clues. What number are the two verbs?)
Indefinite pronouns are singular
Everything, everyone, everybody, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, neither, nobody,
no one, nothing, somebody, someone, and something take singular verbs and thus, must
have singular pronouns substitute for them.
Error: Everyone at Cedarville complains about how the wind ruins their hair.
Correction: Everyone at Cedarville complains about how the wind ruins his hair.
Correction: Cedarville students complain about how the wind ruins their hair.
Exercise: Nobody at Cedarville thinks the weather cooperates with (his or their?) outfit every
day. (Hint: Look at the context clues. What number is the verb? Is “outfit” singular or plural?)
- Cedarville University Writing Center -