Pronoun antecedent agreement is a fundamental rule of grammar that ensures clarity and avoids confusion in a sentence. However, it is one of the most common mistakes made by writers. The rule states that a pronoun must agree with its antecedent in number and gender. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when it comes to pronoun antecedent agreement.
Using a plural pronoun with a singular antecedent
Example: Each student must hand in their assignment.
The sentence above is incorrect because “each student” is a singular antecedent, and “their” is a plural pronoun. To correct this, you can use the singular pronoun “his or her” or rewrite the sentence to avoid using a gendered pronoun altogether.
Using the wrong gender pronoun
Example: The doctor told his patient to rest.
In this sentence, the pronoun “his” is incorrect because it implies that the doctor is male. To avoid this mistake, you can use gender-neutral pronouns such as “they” or “their” or rewrite the sentence to avoid using a gendered pronoun.
Using the wrong pronoun case
Example: He gave the book to her and I.
In this sentence, the pronoun “I” is incorrect because it is in the subjective case instead of the objective case. The correct pronoun should be “me.” The sentence should read, “He gave the book to her and me.”
Using a vague pronoun
Example: Sarah asked her friend for a ride, but she said no.
In this sentence, it is unclear who said no. Was it Sarah or her friend? To avoid confusion, it is best to rewrite the sentence to include the names of the people involved.
Using a pronoun without an antecedent
Example: They went to the store and bought some groceries.
In this sentence, it is unclear who “they” refers to because there is no antecedent. To avoid confusion, make sure to include a clear antecedent before using a pronoun.
In conclusion, pronoun antecedent agreement is essential to clear and effective writing. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your writing is grammatically correct and easy to understand. Remember to always double-check your work before publishing to avoid any embarrassing errors.