Pronoun Agreement RETAKE Quiz

Choose the correct pronoun: "Each of the students must submit _____ homework by Friday."

• their

• its

• his or her

• my

Answer explanation

The correct pronoun is "his or her" because "each" is a singular subject referring to individual students. "Their" is plural, and "its" and "my" do not fit the context.

Which of the following sentences correctly uses pronoun-antecedent agreement?

• Everyone should bring their own lunch.

• Neither of the boys have done their homework.

• The committee gave its approval for the new policy.

• Somebody left their umbrella in the classroom.

Answer explanation

The sentence 'The committee gave its approval for the new policy.' correctly uses pronoun-antecedent agreement, as 'committee' is a collective noun that takes a singular pronoun 'its'. The other options use plural pronouns incorrectly.

Revise the following sentence for correct pronoun-antecedent agreement: "If anyone calls, tell them I am not available."

• If anyone calls, tell him or her I am not available.

• If he or she calls, tell them I am not available.

• NO CHANGE

• If anyone calls, tell us I am not available.

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'If anyone calls, tell him or her I am not available.' This revision ensures pronoun-antecedent agreement by using 'him or her' to refer back to the singular 'anyone'.

Which sentence contains a pronoun-antecedent agreement error?

• The team celebrated its victory.

• Neither of the girls has finished their project.

• Each of the players has his own locker.

• Somebody forgot his or her jacket.

Answer explanation

The sentence 'Neither of the girls has finished their project.' contains a pronoun-antecedent agreement error. 'Neither' is singular, so it should use 'her' instead of 'their'.

Correct the pronoun usage in the following sentence: "The committee have finished their report."

• The committee have finished its report.

• The committee has finished their report.

• The committee has finished its report.

• The committee have finished their reports.

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'The committee has finished its report.' because 'committee' is a collective noun treated as singular, requiring 'has' and 'its' for proper pronoun agreement.

Choose the correct pronoun: "Neither of the brothers brought ^_______ books."

• a

• their

• his

• its

Answer explanation

The correct pronoun is 'his' because 'neither' refers to one brother at a time, making 'his' the appropriate singular possessive pronoun. 'Their' is plural and 'its' does not apply to people.

Which of the following sentences demonstrates correct pronoun-antecedent agreement?

• Each of the players must bring their own equipment.

• Someone left their phone on the table.

• Every student must submit his or her assignment on time.

• The jury have reached their decision.

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'Every student must submit his or her assignment on time.' This sentence uses 'his or her' to agree with the singular antecedent 'Every student,' ensuring proper pronoun-antecedent agreement.

Revise the following sentence for correct pronoun-antecedent agreement: "If a person wants to succeed, they must work hard."

• If a person wants to succeed, he or she must work hard.

• NO CHANGE

• If a person wants to succeed, we must work hard.

• If a person wants to succeed, you must work hard.

Answer explanation

The correct choice is "If a person wants to succeed, he or she must work hard." This revision maintains pronoun-antecedent agreement by using "he or she" to refer back to the singular antecedent "a person."

Which sentence contains a pronoun-antecedent agreement error?

• The team celebrated its victory.

• Either of the girls can bring their friend.

• Each of the players has his own locker.

• Somebody forgot his or her jacket.

Answer explanation

The sentence 'Either of the girls can bring their friend.' contains a pronoun-antecedent agreement error. 'Either' is singular, so it should use 'her' instead of 'their'.

Correct the pronoun usage in the following sentence: "The team is celebrating their victory."

• The teams are celebrating its victory.

• The team is celebrating his or her victory.

• The team is celebrating its victory.

• NO CHANGE

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'The team is celebrating its victory.' because 'team' is a collective noun that is treated as a singular entity, thus requiring the singular pronoun 'its' instead of 'their'.