Correcting Inappropriate Shifts in Pronoun Number and Person

Correcting Inappropriate Shifts in Pronoun Number and Person

I can make sure my pronouns match in number and person so my writing is clear and correct.

Learning Target

L.6.1c - Recognize and correct inappropriate shifts in pronoun number and person.

Standard

If a student wants to pass, they should study hard.

1. What's wrong with this sentence?

2. What's the subject?

3. What's the pronoun?
   

If a student wants to pass, they should study hard.

1. What's wrong with this sentence?

2. What's the subject? (a student - singular)

3. What's the pronoun? (they - plural)
   

​If a student wants to pass, he or she should study hard.

Two Common Mistakes with Pronoun Shifts:

1️⃣ Shifting in Number (Singular vs. Plural)

• Incorrect: When a person drives, they should be careful. ❌

• Correct: When a person drives, he or she should be careful. ✅

• Correct: When people drive, they should be careful. ✅

Multiple Choice

Which sentence has a shift in number that makes it incorrect?

• A) The dog chases the cat down the street.

• B) The students bring their books to class.

• C) The child forgot their homework at home.

• D) The teachers discuss the lesson in their meeting.

Multiple Choice

2. Identify the sentence with an incorrect shift in number.

• A) A player must follow his or her coach’s directions.

• B) The players must wear their uniforms to the game.

• C) The student finished their test early.

• D) The children played in their yards after school.

Multiple Choice

Choose the sentence that correctly maintains singular or plural agreement.

• A) The team worked hard to achieve their goal.

• B) The dog wagged their tail happily.

• C) The teachers finished their lesson plans before the meeting.

• D) The child enjoyed playing with their friends at recess.

Multiple Choice

4. Which sentence contains an incorrect shift in number?

• A) Each student needs to bring their pencil to class.

• B) The teachers shared their ideas during the meeting.

• C) The man parked his car in the lot.

• D) The dogs ran through the park and wagged their tails.

Multiple Select

Choose the sentence that is incorrect due to a number shift.

• A) If a person wants to succeed, they should work hard.

• B) The dog barked when its owner came home.

• C) Every student should complete their assignments on time.

• D) The cats played with its toys.

Multiple Choice

.Select the correct way to fix the following sentence:
"A teacher should always help their students."

• A) A teacher should always help his or her students.

• B) A teacher should always help their students.

• C) A teacher should always help its students.

• D) A teacher should always help his students.

Two Common Mistakes with Pronoun Shifts:

2️⃣ Shifting in Person (1st, 2nd, 3rd person mix-ups)

• Incorrect: When you go to the mall, one should bring money. ❌

• Correct: When you go to the mall, you should bring money. ✅

• Correct: When one go to the mall, one should bring money. ✅

Multiple Choice

Choose the answer that correctly revises the sentence to maintain a consistent point of view.

When I walked into the room, you could see that it was decorated for a party.

• A) When I walked into the room, I could see that it was decorated for a party.

• B) When I walked into the room, he could see that it was decorated for a party.

• C) When I walked into the room, they could see that it was decorated for a party.

• D) When I walked into the room, it could be seen that it was decorated for a party.

Multiple Choice

Choose the answer that correctly revises the sentence to maintain a consistent point of view.

If you practice every day, one can improve their writing skills.

• A) If you practice every day, you can improve your writing skills.

• B) If you practice every day, he can improve his writing skills.

• C) If you practice every day, they can improve their writing skills.

• D) If you practice every day, it can improve your writing skills.

Multiple Choice

Choose the answer that correctly revises the sentence to maintain a consistent point of view.

She loves to read mystery novels, and when you read one, it keeps you guessing.

• A) She loves to read mystery novels, and when I read one, it keeps me guessing.

• B) She loves to read mystery novels, and when she reads one, it keeps her guessing.

• C) She loves to read mystery novels, and when they read one, it keeps them guessing.

• D) She loves to read mystery novels, and when it is read, it keeps you guessing.

Multiple Choice

Choose the answer that correctly revises the sentence to maintain a consistent point of view.

When students work hard, you can see their confidence grow.

• A) When students work hard, he can see his confidence grow.

• B) When students work hard, she can see her confidence grow.

• C) When students work hard, they can see their confidence grow.

• D) When students work hard, we can see their confidence grow.

Multiple Choice

Choose the answer that correctly revises the sentence to maintain a consistent point of view.

As a teacher, I always remind students that you should proofread your work.

• A) As a teacher, I always remind students that one should proofread their work.

• B) As a teacher, I always remind students that I should proofread my work.

• C) As a teacher, I always remind students that she should proofread her work.

• D) As a teacher, I always remind students that they should proofread their work.

Multiple Choice

Choose the answer that correctly revises the sentence to maintain a consistent point of view.

When one studies for a test, you will likely get a better grade.

• A) When one studies for a test, he will likely get a better grade.

• B) When one studies for a test, they will likely get a better grade.

• C) When one studies for a test, one will likely get a better grade.

• D) When one studies for a test, she will likely get a better grade.