1. Note for “Monday Mechanics” binder section Pronoun Antecedents Pronouns must agree with the words to which they refer to (their “antecedents” – nouns or pronouns) a.Use masculine pronouns to refer to masculine antecedents, feminine pronouns to refer to feminine antecedents, and neutral pronouns to refer to antecedents without gender. A woman opened her office door. (fem. gender) A man sat at his desk. (masc. gender) This computer and its programs fit our needs (neutral gender)

2. b. Use singular pronouns to refer to singular antecedents. Common-gender pronouns, such as him or his, are used when the gender of the antecedent is unknown. Writers construct sentences to avoid the need for common-gender pronouns. Examples for alternatives to using common-gender pronouns: Each student must submit a report by Monday. All students must submit their reports by Monday. Each student must submit his or her report by Monday. (wordy and least acceptable writing form)

3. c. Use singular pronouns to refer to singular “indefinite subjects” definition: subjects not specifically defined by gender or do not refer to any specific person or thing. Pronouns always used as: singular subjects of sentences: anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, everyone, everything, neither, nobody, no one, somebody, someone Example: Somebody in the group of touring women left her purse in the museum. Either of the companies has the right to exercise its option to sell shares.

4. Some indefinite pronouns are used as: plural subjects of sentences: both, few, many, several d. Use plural pronouns to refer to two antecedents (two subjects) joined by “and” whether or not the antecedents are singular or plural. Our company president and our vice president will be submitting their expenses soon.