A pronoun is a word used in place of a noun, while an antecedent is the noun that the pronoun refers to. In English grammar, a pronoun must agree with its antecedent in number, person, and gender to ensure clarity. This agreement helps avoid confusion in writing and supports smooth communication by clearly indicating who or what is being referenced.
Errors in pronoun-antecedent agreement often appear in everyday writing, especially when dealing with unclear or vague nouns. A mismatch in number or gender between a pronoun and its antecedent can make sentences grammatically incorrect or confusing.
Examples:
Sarah lost her keys.
The students finished their homework.
A teacher must manage his or her class effectively.
Basic Rules of Agreement
A pronoun must always reflect the correct number, person, and gender of its antecedent. The number refers to whether the noun is singular or plural, the person refers to first (I, we), second (you), or third (he, she, they), and gender refers to masculine, feminine, or neutral. Following these rules ensures clarity and correctness in all forms of writing.
Misusing pronouns by not matching them to their antecedents is a common mistake, especially in complex or longer sentences. Visual aids such as charts and examples can help reinforce the correct patterns of agreement.
Examples:
Incorrect: The manager submitted their report.
Correct: The manager submitted his report.
Incorrect: The boys cleaned his room.
Correct: The boys cleaned their room.
Incorrect: Emily and Sarah brought her books.
Correct: Emily and Sarah brought their books.
Types of Antecedents
Different types of antecedents influence how pronouns should be selected. Understanding the structure of the antecedent helps in choosing the right pronoun form.
Singular Nouns → Singular Pronouns
When the antecedent is a single noun, the pronoun must also be singular.
Examples:
- The dog wagged its tail.
- A teacher must prepare his or her lessons.
- This chair has lost its leg.
Plural Nouns → Plural Pronouns
When the antecedent is plural, the pronoun must match in plurality.Examples:
- The players celebrated their win.
- The computers have lost their connection.
- The parents waited for their children.
Compound Antecedents
When two or more nouns are combined, the form of the pronoun depends on the connector used.
- Joined by “and” → Use plural pronouns
- Joined by “or/nor” → Match the pronoun with the closest noun
Examples:
- Mike and Sarah brought their books.
- Neither the teacher nor the students remembered their assignment.
- Either the pen or the markers have lost their caps.
Indefinite Pronouns as Antecedents
Indefinite pronouns can be tricky because some are always singular, some always plural, and some vary depending on context.
- Always singular: everyone, each, someone, anybody
- Always plural: both, many, several, few
- Variable: all, some, none (depends on whether the noun they refer to is singular or plural)
Examples (Singular):
- Everyone must submit his or her form.
- Someone left his or her umbrella.
- Each of the players wore his jersey.
Examples (Plural):
- Few have completed their assignments.
- Both were asked to bring their documents.
- Several of the candidates submitted their resumes.
Examples (Variable):
- Some of the water lost its color.
- Some of the students lost their books.
- All of the cake lost its freshness.
Special Cases and Exceptions
Some situations in grammar do not follow the typical pronoun-antecedent agreement rules. Collective nouns like “team” or “jury” may take singular or plural pronouns depending on whether the group is acting as a unit or as individuals. Organizations, titles, and countries are typically treated as singular entities.
The use of gender-neutral language has also influenced pronoun usage. In modern English, the singular “they” is increasingly used when the gender of a person is unknown or when referring to individuals who prefer nonbinary pronouns. Many formal style guides now accept “they” as a singular, inclusive option.
Examples:
Collective Nouns:
- The team played its best game yet.
- The family shared their vacation memories.
- The committee reached its decision.
Titles and Entities:
- The United Nations announced its new policies.
- Apple released its latest product update.
- The World Bank revised its report.
Singular “They”:
- Each student must bring their notebook.
- Someone left their phone on the desk.
- Every applicant should submit their resume.
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them?
Writers often make errors in pronoun-antecedent agreement due to vague references, mismatched number or gender, or inconsistency in pronoun type. Another common mistake is the overuse of “his or her” when singular “they” may offer a more natural and inclusive option.
To fix these issues, it’s important to identify the exact noun the pronoun refers to and ensure proper agreement. Consistency throughout the sentence also matters—switching between singular and plural pronouns creates confusion.
Examples of Mistakes and Fixes
Mistake: If a student is late, they should report to the office.
Fix: If students are late, they should report to the office.
Mistake: Neither of the girls brought their book.
Fix: Neither of the girls brought her book.
Mistake: A dog needs to have their collar on.
Fix: A dog needs to have its collar on.
Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement in Formal Writing
Formal writing, such as academic papers and professional reports, demands a higher level of consistency and precision in grammar. Using pronouns incorrectly can undermine the credibility of the writing and distract the reader from the message.
Writers should aim to avoid ambiguous references and ensure every pronoun clearly connects to its noun. Style guides like APA, MLA, and Chicago often provide specific recommendations for pronoun use, including preferences around the singular “they.”
Examples:
APA: A researcher must explain their methods clearly.
MLA: Each author presents their viewpoint differently.
Chicago: The engineer tested the machine before submitting her report.
