Correct inappropriate shifts in pronoun number and person

Key Notes :

  1. Pronoun Number:
    • Singular Pronouns: Refer to one person or thing (e.g., he, she, it).
    • Plural Pronouns: Refer to more than one person or thing (e.g., they, we).
  1. Pronoun Person:
    • First Person: Refers to the speaker (e.g., I, we).
    • Second Person: Refers to the person being spoken to (e.g., you).
    • Third Person: Refers to someone or something other than the speaker or listener (e.g., he, she, it, they).

Common Shifts and Corrections

  1. Number Shifts:
    • Incorrect: “Everyone should bring their book.”
      • Correction: “Everyone should bring his or her book.”
    • Explanation: “Everyone” is singular, so the pronoun should also be singular.
  1. Person Shifts:
    • Incorrect: “When you go to the store, he should remember to buy milk.”
      • Correction: “When you go to the store, you should remember to buy milk.”
    • Explanation: The shift from “you” to “he” creates confusion. Consistent pronoun use avoids this problem.
  1. Combining Number and Person:
    • Incorrect: “Each student must submit their assignment by Friday.”
      • Correction: “Each student must submit his or her assignment by Friday.”
    • Explanation: “Each student” is singular, so the pronoun should match in both number and person.

Tips for Avoiding Pronoun Shifts

  1. Identify the Antecedent: Ensure that the pronoun agrees with the noun it replaces in both number and person.
  2. Maintain Consistency: Keep the same pronoun throughout the sentence or passage to avoid confusion.
  3. Check Pronoun Agreement: When revising, check that all pronouns correctly match their antecedents in number and person.
  4. Use Gender-Neutral Language: If the gender is unknown or not specified, use “his or her” or rephrase to avoid confusion.

Practice Sentences

  1. Incorrect: “When a person reads a book, they should take notes.”
    • Corrected: “When a person reads a book, he or she should take notes.”
  2. Incorrect: “The teacher told the students that you need to study for the test.”
    • Corrected: “The teacher told the students that they need to study for the test.”

Let’s practice!🖊️