Tricky Pronoun Antecedent Agreements

Singular Pronouns that may seem like Plurals The “Body Rule” –Pronouns that include a “body” in them take singular verbs –Think of one person’s body –These include: anybody, somebody, everybody, nobody –Examples: Everybody loves Raymond. Nobody loves Chris. Somebody left her purse at my party.

Singular Pronouns that may seem like Plurals The “One Rule” –Pronouns that include a “one” in them take singular verbs. –Think of one as in one singular person –These include: no one, someone, anyone, everyone –Examples No one believes what I just saw Can anyone tell me his or her favorite movie?

Singular Pronouns that may seem like Plurals The “Thing Rule” –Pronouns that include a “thing” in them take singular verbs. –Think of just one thing –These include: something –Examples: Something makes a noise every time I stop.

Each Each also takes singular verbs. Examples: –Each person in line gets a free ice cream. (He gets a free ice cream. NOT: They gets a...) –Each of the stickers is unique. (It is unique. NOT: It are unique.)

Either and Neither The pronouns either and neither take singular verbs when acting as subjects –Examples: Either of us is able to drive to the dance. Neither of them is at home right now. In a either/or, neither/nor situation, the verb matches the closest word –Examples: Either Peaches or Roxy is going to be kicked off the show. Neither Flav nor the girls are capable of making good choices.

Let’s Practice! Pronoun Agreement — Exercise 1

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