2) Pronouns: Pronoun - Antecedent

Example

" Kate dribbled the ball, and *she* shot *it* at the basket". Note: Ball is the antecedent and "it" is the referring pronoun. Similarly, Katie= antecedent, she = pronoun.

*A, One vs. You*

"One" and "you" are frequently switched with one another. They cannot be mixed and matched within a sentence but must remain consistent throughout. EXAMPLE: If *one* wants to avoid insect invasion, *one* should refrain from leaving crumbs lying on the floor.

*D. Missing Antecedent*

- Any pronoun that appears in a sentence must have a *clear antecedent* that is a noun, pronoun, or gerund. If a sentence includes any pronoun without an antecedent, that sentence cannot be correct, no matter how obvious it meaning may be. -------------------------------------- Incorrect: In some countries, extreme weather conditions have led to shortages of food, and consequently *they* must struggle to receive adequate nutrients. ----------------------------------------- Correct: In some countries, extreme weather conditions have led to shortages of food, and consequently *their inhabitants* must struggle to receive adequate nutrients.

This, Which, and That

- Each of these pronouns must refer to an antecedent (specific noun, pronoun, or gerund) that appears within the sentence. If the antecedent does not appear, the sentence cannot be correct.

Singular nouns to plural nouns (FOR PEOPLE)

- He, She ---------> They - His, Her--------> Their Example: 1) "a person" who wishes to become an Olympic caliber athlete must devote virtually all of *his or her* time to training. 2) "people" who wish to become Olympic-caliber athletes must devote virtually all of *their* time to training.

Antecedents is not equal to Verbs or adjectives

- Only nouns, pronouns, and gerunds can be antecedents. Any sentence that attempts to use another part of speech, such as a *verb* or an *adjective*, as an antecedent cannot be cannot. Note: Do so = Right, Do it = wrong. important: when "do it" is underlined, it is virtually always wrong.

*B. Singular vs. Plural*

- Singular nouns are referred to by singular pronouns. - Plural nouns are referred to by plural pronouns.

*C. Ambiguous Antecedent*

- sometimes, it is unclear which antecedent a pronoun refers to. Incorrect: Afraid that they would be late to the party, "Rose and Caroline" decided to take *her* car rather than walk. -------------------------------------------- Correct: Rose and Caroline decided to take *Rosa's* car to the party.

Adjective as "Trick" antecedent

Incorrect: The canine "penchant" for hierarchy has its roots in wolf society, which always designated *its* specific role within the pack. ---------------------------------------- Correct: The canine "penchant" for hierarchy has its roots in wolf society, which always designated *a canine's* specific role within the pack.

Singular nouns to plural nouns (FOR THINGS)

It----> They/ Them Its----> Their This----> These That----> Those Example: 1) when "the economy" does poorly, *its* performance is of all-abiding interest to the public. 2) "the lights" began to flicker wildly, and only moments later *they* went out together.

Antecedent

is the word (noun, pronoun, gerund) to which a pronoun prefer.

Pronoun

is word such as "he, she, it, them, their, us" that is used to replace a noun. - All pronouns must *agree* with their antecedents.