Pronoun Antecedent

​Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement

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What is an antecedent?

Answer: A pronoun usually refers to a noun or another pronoun called its antecedent. Example: Jen lost her textbook.   The pronoun is her and the antecedent is Jen. Example: The snake shed its skin.   The pronoun is its and the antecedent is snake. Example: Dreamers make their dreams a reality.   The pronoun is their and the antecedent is dreamers. Example: Each one of my friends paid for his or her airfare.   The pronoun is his or her and the antecedent is one.

​What is the driving rule behind pronoun-antecedent agreement?

Answer: A pronoun should always agree in number and gender with its antecedent.  Let’s explore the examples above. The antecedent Jen is singular and identifies as female.  The pronoun her refers to one female. The antecedent snake is singular and non-gender specific.  The pronoun its refers to one being that is non-gender specific. The antecedent dreamers is plural and non-gender specific.  The pronoun their refers to multiple people and is non-gender specific. The antecedent one is singular and non-gender specific.  The pronoun his or her is also singular—and it accommodates the unknown gender.  Context matters: Be mindful that these rules are based on traditional gender norms.  You may encounter situations where traditional gender norms do not apply.  Thus, standard conventions of writing may not apply.  In these cases, it is best to be respectful and adapt your language accordingly.  For example, it may be more appropriate to use a singular form of they or their instead of him/her or his/hers.

What are some other important rules to follow?

- Use a singular pronoun to refer to anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, everybody, everyone, everything, neither, nobody, no one, none, nothing, one, somebody, someone, or something. Example: Everybody in the meeting wanted his or her chance to speak. - Use a plural pronoun to refer to both, few, many, or several.  Example: Few of the actors and actresses enjoyed their own play. - Indefinite pronouns such as all, any, more, most, none, and some may be singular or plural, depending on how they are used in a sentence. Example: Some of the bread was eaten, and some of the chips were eaten. - Use a singular pronoun to refer to two or more singular antecedents joined by or or nor.  Example: Cheryl or Madge will lend her voice to this week’s podcast. - Use a plural pronoun to refer to two or more antecedents joined by and.  Example: Cheryl and Madge will lend their voices to this week’s podcast. - When dealing with collective nouns, remember that a collective noun is singular when it refers to the group as a collective unit. Example: The committee held its meeting in Mr. Clarksen’s classroom.

Multiple Choice

The rabbits sunned (itself, themselves) contentedly in the backyard.

• Itself

• Themselves

Multiple Choice

 James loaned (their, his) textbook to Josie.

• Their

• His

Multiple Choice

The captain of the girls’ basketball team accepted (her, their) responsibilities with pride.

• Her

• Their

Multiple Choice

After a trip to the park, the family dogs like to relax in (its, their) kennels.

• Its

• Their

Multiple Choice

The dresses in my closet still have (its, their) price tags attached.

• Its

• Their

Multiple Choice

The managers of the restaurant began incorporating (its, their) family recipes into the menu.

• Its

• Their

Multiple Choice

The children will make breakfast in bed for (their, his or her) mom.

• Their

• His or her

Multiple Choice

You may find that mice make (its, their) nests in your basement.

• Its

• Their

Multiple Choice

The kitten familiarized (itself, themselves) with the new litter box.

• Itself

• Themselves

Multiple Choice

The hamster enjoyed running around in (its, their) ball.

• Its

• Their