1. Writing Lab Pronoun Reference and Antecedent Agreement
UWF Writing Lab Grammar Skills Series #5
From Real Good Grammar, Too by Mamie Webb Hixon
PowerPoint Created by Michael Mobley
Last Updated Spring 2017

2. Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement
Antecedent - word that pronoun replaces
This terminology describes a writer’s selection of a pronoun in reference to the noun (or pronoun) it replaces.
A pronoun and its antecedent must agree in terms of:
Gender
Number

3. Pronoun Types Singular Plural Masculine They, Them, Their, Theirs
He, Him, His
Feminine
She, Her, Hers
Neuter (Gender Neutral)
It, Its

4. Common Agreement Issues
Everyone has to complete a questionnaire describing their job.
“Their” does not agree with “everyone,” its antecedent, in terms of number
Everyone has to complete a questionnaire describing his or her job.
Since the pronoun has an antecedent that is itself a gender neutral pronoun, use “his or her”
Then the pronoun (“his or her”) agrees with its antecedent (“Everyone”) in terms of gender AND number.
Singular Indefinite Pronouns
Include pronouns ending in “-one,” “-body,” or “-thing”
Are SINGULAR
Everyone
Everybody
Everything
Anyone
Anybody
Anything
Someone
Somebody
Something

5. Collective Nouns
Sometimes, antecedents can refer to a group as a whole or to the individuals of a group. Use the correct pronoun according to the referent.
In this instance, a referent is the word that a pronoun stands for.
Singular Use
The jury decided its verdict.
The jury reaches a verdict together, so one treats the word as a singular noun.
Plural Use
The jury are leaving the courthouse in their cars.
The individual members of the jury are leaving in their own separate cars, so one treats the word as a plural noun.

6. Compound Antecedents Use the plural pronoun when “and” is present.
Stewart and Rosemary moved to the mountains, where they built a log cabin.

7. Compound Antecedents
For “either or” and “neither nor,” match the pronoun with the closest antecedent.
Either Jason or Rus should have received first prize for his flash fiction essay submission.
Neither Mrs. Moore nor her students found their way to the conference room.

8. Common Problems: Ambiguous
This error occurs when the pronoun could refer to more than one noun.
The partnership between Justin and Paul dissolved when he retired.
PROBLEM: Which person retired? Justin? Paul?
FIXED: The partnership between Justin and Paul dissolved when Justin retired. OR
The partnership between Justin and Paul dissolved when Paul retired.

9. Common Problems: Implied
This error occurs when the pronoun refers to an antecedent not explicitly stated.
Randi thinks flying is the best way to travel though she has never been on one.
PROBLEM: Randi hasn’t been on what?
FIXED: Randi thinks flying is the best way to travel though she has never been on a plane.

10. Common Problems: Broad
This error occurs when the “which,” “it,” “this,” or “that” is used to refer to an entire sentence or idea. The cost of living increased another two percent, which caused a serious problem for people on fixed incomes. PROBLEM: What does which refer to? The cost of living? The fact that it increased? FIXED: The cost of living increased another two percent, a development which caused a serious problem for people on fixed incomes.

11. Common Problems: Indefinite
This error occurs when the pronoun refers to a group or entity not yet known. When I read the actor’s autobiography, it made me realize what hard word acting is. PROBLEM: What made you come to this realization? The autobiography? The fact you that you read it? FIXED: When I read the actor’s autobiography, her story made me realize what hard work acting is.

12. Common Problems: Unexpressed
This error occurs when the pronoun stands for a noun that is not present. The library is a great place to work, but they have to stand up often. PROBLEM: Who has to stand up often? Librarians? Students? FIXED: The library is a great place to work, but library employees have to stand up often.

13. Common Problems: Remote
This error occurs when the antecedent is too far from the pronoun. The ultramodern condominiums are located in an area of town where there are no streetlights. However they are perfectly safe. PROBLEM: What or who is perfectly safe? The condominiums? The tenants? FIXED: The ultramodern condominiums are located in an area of town where there are no streetlights. However, the condominiums are perfectly safe.

14. Reminder:
Watch for the words “it,” “this,” “that,” and “which.” These words are good signals that you could be dealing with a pronoun reference issue.