Everything You (N)ever Wanted to Know about Pronouns Erin Pinkerton

What is a pronoun? A pronoun is a word that takes the place of a noun (a person, place, or thing). The noun that a pronoun refers to is called its antecedent. Antecedent Pronoun

Pronouns can be many things. Pronouns can be subjects. I, you, she, he, it we, they. Pronouns can be objects. me, you her, him, it, us, them Pronouns can be possessive. mine, yours, hers, his, its, ours, theirs

Pronouns should agree in number. If a pronoun take the place of a singular noun, you must use a singular pronoun. A friend is someone who always does what she says she will do. NOT A friend is someone who always does what they say they will do.

There is no gender neutral singular pronoun in English. A student should always do the best that he or she can. NOT A student should always do the best they can. Although this is incorrect, it is common because saying “he or she” can be too wordy. To avoid this problem, use plural pronouns when possible. Students should always do the best they can.

Which sentence is correct? My sister read five books in one week, but she did not like them. My sister read five books in one week, but she did not like it.

Pronouns should agree in person. Understand the difference between first person (I), second person (you), and third person (he, she, they, it). Do not switch from writing in third person to writing in second person in the same sentence. When a student comes to class, he needs to have his homework ready. NOT When a student comes to class, you need to have your homework ready.

Which sentence is correct? Before a student turns in a final draft, you need to proofread the paper. Before a student turns in a final draft, she needs to proofread the paper.

Pronouns should clearly refer to a specific noun. Do not be vague or ambiguous. Although the student was late for class and lost his homework, it did not hurt his grade. Does “it” refer to being tardy or losing the homework? All of the students in this class have at least two siblings. They are good people. Does “they” refer to the students or their siblings?

What made Howard angry? Bonnie called Howard yesterday to explain why she did not come to the party. This made Howard very angry. What made Howard angry? Bonnie called Bonnie called yesterday Bonnie did not come to the party

Work Cited The Purdue OWL. Purdue U Writing Lab, 2010. Web. 24 October 2011.