Use the pronoun that agrees with the antecedent

Key Notes :

1. Definition of Pronouns and Antecedents

• Pronouns: Words that replace nouns in a sentence (e.g., he, she, it, they).
• Antecedent: The noun or noun phrase that the pronoun refers to.

---

2. Agreement in Number

• Singular Pronouns: Use singular pronouns for singular antecedents (e.g., The dog lost its collar).
• Plural Pronouns: Use plural pronouns for plural antecedents (e.g., The dogs lost their collars).

---

3. Agreement in Gender

• Masculine Pronouns: Use masculine pronouns for masculine antecedents (e.g., John said he would come).
• Feminine Pronouns: Use feminine pronouns for feminine antecedents (e.g., Jane said she would come).
• Neutral Pronouns: Use neutral pronouns (it, they) for non-specific or neutral antecedents (e.g., The book is on its way).

---

4. Agreement in Person

• First Person: Refers to the speaker (I, we).
• Second Person: Refers to the person being addressed (you).
• Third Person: Refers to someone or something other than the speaker or the person being addressed (he, she, it, they).

---

5. Special Cases

• Collective Nouns: Collective nouns may be singular or plural depending on the context (e.g., The team is known for its discipline; The team are having their meeting).
• Indefinite Pronouns: Words like anyone, everyone, someone are usually singular (e.g., Everyone should bring his or her own lunch).

---

6. Examples and Practice

• Correct Usage:
  • The teacher said she would grade the papers.
  • The students completed their assignments on time.
• Incorrect Usage:
  • The teacher said they would grade his papers. (Incorrect if the teacher is singular and female)

---

7. Exercises

• Identify the antecedent and choose the correct pronoun:
  • The cat is very playful. It likes to chase its tail.
  • Sarah and Michael are coming to the party. They said they will arrive early.

Let’s practice!🖊️