By: Ella Blowers Jessy Gonzales Writer’s Reference: pages

Background Information: What is a Pronoun? -A pronoun is a word that substitutes for a noun. -The noun that a pronoun refers to is called the antecedent. Ellen likes to run with her dog. -It is important to use the correct pronoun so the reader is not confused.

Common Problem: Pronoun Agreement -In order for a pronoun and its antecedent to agree: 1.They need to both be either singular or plural. The workers like their uniforms. 2.They need to agree in gender (masculine or feminine). Ben likes his uniform.

Special Cases with Pronouns 1.Indefinite Pronouns-refer to non-specific persons or things. 2.Generic Nouns-represent a typical member of a group. 3.Collective Nouns-name a class or group. 4.Compound Antecedent-antecedents joined by and, or, or nor.

Indefinite Pronouns (non-specific persons or things) -Treated as singular in formal English. Using a plural pronoun to refer to indefinite pronouns is incorrect. Examples of indefinite pronouns: anybody, everybody, anything, anyone, each, either, everyone, everything, neither, nobody, no one, nothing, somebody, someone, something Is everyone in his or her place?

Indefinite Pronoun Examples: Strategies to Fix the Problem When someone is happy, they smile. 1.Replace plural pronoun with he or she. When someone is happy, he or she smiles. 2. Make the antecedent plural. When people are happy, they smile. 3. Rewrite the sentence without a problem in agreement. A person who is happy smiles.

Generic Nouns (member of a group) -Treated as singular in formal English. Using a plural pronoun to refer to generic nouns is incorrect. Examples of generic nouns: player (on a sports team), student (school), doctor (occupational group) Every student must do his or her homework.

Generic Noun Examples: Strategies to Fix the Problem Every player on the team needs to wear their uniform. 1.Replace plural pronoun with his or her. Every player on the team needs to wear his or her uniform. 2. Make the antecedent plural. All players on the team need to wear their uniform. 3. Rewrite the sentence without a problem in agreement. Team players need to wear uniforms.

Collective Nouns (name class or group) -If the group functions as one unit, it is treated as singular. -If members function as individuals, it is treated as plural. The family moved into its house. The family cleaned their rooms.

Collective Noun Examples The jury came to their conclusion. -no reason to refer to individuals, should be treated as singular. The jury came to its conclusion.

Compound Antecedents (joined by and, or, or nor) -If the antecedents are joined by “and”, it is treated as plural. -If the antecedents are joined by “or” or “nor”, make the pronoun agree with the nearer antecedent. The cat and dog ate their food. Either Harry or Tom baked his favorite cake.

Compound Antecedent Examples Neither the men or the boy offered their chair. -the antecedents are joined by “or”, so the pronoun should agree with the boy. (singular) Neither the man or the boy offered his chair. *Exception: If the antecedent is male and the other is female, do not follow the rule. The best solution is to reword the sentence. Tom or Barbara will eat her cake. The cake will be eaten by Tom or Barbara.