Agreement & verb and pronoun forms · Topic 6 of 17

Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement & Clear Reference

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Grammar · pronoun agreement

A pronoun must match the noun it replaces in number and person, and it must point to one clear antecedent.

01 · NumberPronoun matches its antecedent in number

02 · IndefinitesEach, either, everyone, anyone = singular

03 · Clear referenceOne pronoun, one clear antecedent

Antecedent = the noun a pronoun stands for: The nurse lost her badge must know

Singular antecedent → singular pronoun; plural → plural: The aides ate their lunch must know

each, either, everyone, anyone are singular: Each of the vans lost its plate must know

A pronoun must point to one clear noun — ✗ Ana told Mia she won must know

both, few, many, several are plural: Several of the aides brought their lunches

all, any, most, none, some follow the of-noun: some of the cups lost their lids

Two antecedents joined by and → plural pronoun: Lee and Ruth parked their cars

or / nor: match the nearer antecedent: Neither Bo nor the twins lost their keys

Group acting as one → its; members acting separately → their: The jury gave its verdict

Don't slide from third person into you — ✗ Students learn more when you review

Right vs wrong

✗ Each of the clinics posted their hours → ✓ Each of the clinics posted its hours

✗ Neither the lamps nor the fan lost their cord → ✓ … lost its cord

Right vs wrong

✗ When Jo handed Kim the chart, she smiled → ✓ Kim smiled when Jo handed her the chart

Commonly confused

	Joined by and	Joined by or / nor
Pronoun	always plural	matches the nearer noun
Example	Mia and Jo packed their bags.	Neither the twins nor Mia packed her bag.
Smoother order	any order works	put the plural noun last, then use their

Ignore the phrase in between: One of the lamps lost its shade (✗ their)

Vague this or it: name the thing — ✗ The bus was late, and this upset us

No they, it or you without an antecedent — ✗ At the clinic they said → ✓ The doctor said

Safest fix for "a student… their": make it plural or use his or her

Show 3 more facts

every / many a + noun → singular pronoun: Every car and truck had its lights on

Plural-looking singulars take it: The news had its good side

No antecedent hidden in a possessive — ✗ In Kay's report, she argues

Pearl

Find the antecedent, cross out any phrase in between, then match its number.

Practice this topic, then test the whole section.

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