Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement E08.D Recognize and correct inappropriate shifts in pronoun number and person E08.D Recognize and correct vague pronouns (i.e., ones with unclear or ambiguous antecedents) E08.D Ensure subject-verb and pronoun-antecedent agreement 5/01/

Pronouns and Antecedents Antecedent: a thing or event that comes before (Here,the noun that a pronoun takes the place of in a sentence) Because a pronoun refers to or takes the place of a noun, it must be clear which noun the pronoun is referring to

Pronoun-Antecedent Placement The antecedent does not have to come before its pronoun in the sentence. Example: Once he finished writing, Eli went back and proofread his work.

Pronouns and Antecedents Dawn said she liked the play. You can’t have your friends over until the dishes are done. Edgar Allan Poe was known for his horror stories.

Pronoun Rules Pronouns must agree in number and gender. If the pronoun takes the place of a singular noun, you have to use a singular pronoun.

Pronoun Rules Pronouns must agree in gender, but…. What do you do with a singular noun that could refer to a man or a woman? Incorrect: A person should be able to make up their own mind about the proposed changes. Incorrect: A doctor should do everything possible to help their patients.

Pronoun Rules If possible, just make the antecedent plural: People should be able to make up their own minds about the proposed changes. Doctors should do everything possible to help their patients.

Examples If a student parks a car on campus, he or she has to buy a parking sticker. Shel Silverstein is best known for his poems and drawings for children. Several students shared their poems with the class.

Pronoun Rules An indefinite pronoun does not refer to any specific person, thing or amount. It is vague and "not definite". These indefinite pronouns are singular: eachother / anothereither / neitherlittle / much anybody everybody somebody nobody one anyone everyone someone no one anything everything something nothing

Indefinite Pronouns ¨These indefinite pronouns are plural: both few many others several

Indefinite Pronouns These indefinite pronouns can be singular or plural, depending on how they’re used in a sentence: allanymore nonesomemost

Examples ¤Everybody ought to do his or her best. (NOT: their best) ¤Most of the pie is gone. (singular) ¤Most of the cookies are still here. (plural) ¤Several of the desserts were completely eaten.

Pronoun Rules Pronouns must agree in “person.” Don't confuse your reader by switching point of view CONFUSING: I never ride roller coasters because they make you throw up. I = first person, you = second person CLEAR: : I never ride roller coasters because they make me throw up.

Pronoun Rules Avoid sexism in the pronouns you choose Not “A doctor should listen carefully to his patients.” Instead, you can: (1) make the pronoun and its antecedent plural, or (2) reword the sentence. Doctors should listen carefully to their patients. Doctors should listen carefully to patients.

Pronoun Rules Refer clearly to a specific noun. CONFUSING: Although the motorcycle hit the tree, it was not damaged. (Is "it" the motorcycle or the tree?) CLEAR: The motorcycle was not damaged even though it hit a tree.

Pronoun Rules Refer clearly to a specific noun. CONFUSING: I don't think they should show violence on TV. (Who are "they"?) CLEAR: Violence should not be shown on TV.

Pronoun Rules Refer clearly to a specific noun. CONFUSING: It said on the news today that another gas station was robbed. (What does “it” refer to in this sentence?) CLEAR: On the news today, a reporter said that another gas station was robbed.

Pronoun Rules Refer clearly to a specific noun. CONFUSING: Ed told Kenny that Dr. Wilson suspected that he cheated on the chemistry exam. (Which person does “he” refer to?) CLEAR: Edwin told Kenny that Dr. Wilson suspected that Kenny cheated on the chemistry exam. CLEAR: Edwin told Kenny, "Dr. Wilson suspects that you cheated on the chemistry exam.”

Pronoun Rules: “I” vs. “me” “I” is used when you are performing the action: I want to go. Tom and I are going to the movies. “Me” is used when you are receiving the action: He gave me ten dollars. She needs to talk to Joe or me.

I vs. me - A Helpful Hint A good way to test whether you want to use “I” or “me” is to take the other noun or pronoun out of the sentence and see if it still makes sense. Not: Bob and me travel a good deal. (You wouldn’t say, "me travel") Not: He gave the flowers to Jane and I. (You wouldn’t say, "he gave the flowers to I")

Pronouns in Comparisons When a pronoun is used in a comparison, choose the correct pronoun by carrying the sentence out to its logical conclusion: