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Noun-Pronoun Agreement

Noun-pronoun agreement is the rule that a pronoun must agree with its antecedent (the noun it replaces) in number, gender, and person. Proper agreement ensures clarity and correctness in writing and speech.

Basic Rules of Noun-Pronoun Agreement

1. Agreement in Number

  • Singular nouns require singular pronouns:

The student finished his homework.

The cat licked its paw.

  • Plural nouns require plural pronouns:

The students finished their homework.

The cats licked their paws.

2. Agreement in Gender

  • Use gender-specific pronouns when the gender is known:

John forgot his book.

Sarah lost her keys.

  • Use gender-neutral pronouns when the gender is unknown or non-binary:

Each student must bring their own lunch. (Using their as a singular, gender-neutral pronoun)

3. Agreement in Person

  • First person:

I finished my work.

  • Second person:

You finished your work.

  • Third person:

She finished her work.

Special Cases of Noun-Pronoun Agreement

1. Collective Nouns

  • When a collective noun acts as a single unit, use a singular pronoun:

The team won its match.

  • When referring to members of the group individually, use a plural pronoun:

The team argued among themselves.

2. Indefinite Pronouns

  • Singular indefinite pronouns take singular pronouns:

Everyone should do his or her best. (Formally)

Everyone should do their best. (Informally, gender-neutral)

  • Plural indefinite pronouns take plural pronouns:

Several students forgot their books.

3. Compound Subjects

  • When subjects are joined by 'and,' use a plural pronoun:

John and Mary drove their car.

  • When joined by 'or' or 'nor,' the pronoun agrees with the closest subject:

Neither the students nor the teacher forgot his lesson.

Either John or the girls will bring their project.

4. Companies and Organizations

  • Companies are treated as singular entities:

Apple released its new product.

The committee gave its approval.

5. Singular 'They' Usage

  • 'They' is increasingly accepted as a singular pronoun for gender neutrality:

If a student needs help, they should ask the teacher.

Common Errors and How to Avoid Them

1. Mixing Singular and Plural

  • Every student must bring their notebook. ❌ (Formally incorrect)
  • Every student must bring his or her notebook. ✅ (Formal)
  • Every student must bring their notebook. ✅ (Informal, modern)

2. Confusion with Collective Nouns

  • The jury gave their verdict. ❌
  • The jury gave its verdict. ✅ (As a unit)

3. Inconsistent Pronoun Use

  • If anyone calls, tell them I'll call back. ✅ (Informal, gender-neutral)
  • If anyone calls, tell him or her I'll call back. ✅ (Formal)

Quick Tips

  1. Identify the noun the pronoun is replacing.
  2. Match the pronoun to the noun’s number, gender, and person.
  3. Avoid ambiguity by ensuring the pronoun clearly refers to a specific noun.
  4. Use gender-neutral pronouns when appropriate to promote inclusivity.
  5. When in doubt, rephrase the sentence to avoid awkward constructions.

Practice Questions

  1. Each of the players must bring _____ own equipment. (his or her/their)
  2. Neither Jane nor her friends have finished _____ homework. (her/their)
  3. The committee reached _____ decision. (its/their)
  4. Everyone should submit _____ assignments on time. (his or her/their)

Answers: 1. their, 2. their, 3. its, 4. their

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