Correct inappropriate shifts in pronoun number and person

Key Notes :

What are pronoun shifts?

👉 A pronoun shift happens when the writer changes from one number (singular/plural) or person (1st, 2nd, 3rd) to another without reason.
❌ This makes sentences confusing!

Pronoun Number (Singular vs. Plural)

• Singular pronoun → refers to one person/thing (he, she, it, him, her).
• Plural pronoun → refers to more than one (they, them, we).

✅ Correct: If a student studies hard, he or she will succeed.
❌ Wrong: If a student studies hard, they will succeed.

Pronoun Person (1st, 2nd, 3rd)

• 1st person → I, we (speaker).
• 2nd person → you (person spoken to).
• 3rd person → he, she, it, they (person spoken about).

✅ Correct: When I am studying, I need silence.
❌ Wrong: When I am studying, you need silence.

How to Correct Shifts

1️⃣ Keep the same number of pronouns.
2️⃣ Stick to the same person unless there’s a clear reason to change.
3️⃣ Reread to check if pronouns match the subject!

Examples

✔️ Correct: When people work together, they achieve success.
❌ Incorrect: When people work together, you achieve success.

✔️ Correct: If a player wants to win, he or she must practice daily.
❌ Incorrect: If a player wants to win, they must practice daily.

Quick Tips

• ✅ Always match pronoun with its antecedent (the noun it replaces).
• ✅ Avoid switching “I → you” or “he → they” unless the meaning changes.
• ✅ Be consistent all through the sentence.

✨🎉 Remember: Consistency in pronouns = Clear communication! 🗣️📚

Let’s practice!🖊️