Pronoun-Antecedent Concord

What is Pronoun-Antecedent Concord?

Pronoun-antecedent concord refers to the agreement between a pronoun and its antecedent in terms of number, gender, and person. The antecedent is the noun or noun phrase that the pronoun replaces.

For example:

• If the antecedent is singular, the pronoun must also be singular. Example: The student forgot his book.
• If the antecedent is plural, the pronoun must also be plural. Example: The students forgot their books.

Rules for Pronoun-Antecedent Concord

• Singular and Plural Agreement: Ensure that singular antecedents have singular pronouns and plural antecedents have plural pronouns.
• Gender Agreement: Use pronouns that match the gender of the antecedent. For example, use "he" or "his" for male antecedents and "she" or "her" for female antecedents.
• Person Agreement: Pronouns must agree in person with their antecedents. For example, if the antecedent is in the first person, the pronoun should also be in the first person.

Common Mistakes

• Indefinite Pronouns: Some indefinite pronouns are always singular (e.g., "everyone," "each," "someone"). Example: Everyone should bring his or her own lunch.
• Collective Nouns: Treat collective nouns as singular when the group acts as a single unit. Example: The team won its game.
• Compound Antecedents: When antecedents are joined by "and," use a plural pronoun. Example: Both John and Mary forgot their tickets.

Examples

Example 1: The committee has finished its report.

Example 2: Neither Sarah nor Tom has completed his or her assignment.

Example 3: Each of the players must bring his or her own equipment.