BCOM 3113 - All About Pronouns

Identify the sentence in which the pronoun agrees with its compound antecedent in number.

A mole, a raccoon, or a skunk has made its home in my backyard.

Choose the revised sentences that correct the pronoun reference problem in the sentence below. Select all that apply. Although this is common writing advice, I find it difficult to implement.

Although allowing time for revision is common writing advice, I find it difficult to implement. Our team leader explained that we should allow time for revision, and although this is common writing advice, I find it difficult to implement.

The sentence below includes a pronoun that could refer to more than one noun. Read the sentence, then choose the revised versions of the sentence that solve the pronoun reference problem. Note: Revised sentences may have different meanings. Select all that apply. Anita told Anna she needed to apply for a grant to avoid taking out a business loan.

Anita advised Anna about applying for a grant to avoid taking out a business loan. Anita told Anna, "I need to apply for a grant to avoid taking out a business loan." Anita told Anna to apply for a grant to avoid taking out a business loan.

Identify the sentence set with clear pronoun references.

Doctors recommend exercise for every age group. For example, a brisk walk every morning helps keep people in shape.

Identify the sentence in which pronouns agree with their antecedents in number.

Each of the cars will provide years of comfort and safety for its owner.

Identify the sentence in which pronouns agree with their antecedents in number.

Each of the women got her choice of a large inner office or an office with a window.

Identify the sentence in which pronouns agree with their antecedents in number.

Each of the women has written about her own family's history.

Identify the sentence in which the pronoun agrees with its compound antecedent in number.

Either dogs or coyotes could be leaving their marks in our yard.

Identify the sentences that have correct pronoun agreement and avoid gender-biased language. Select all that apply.

Everyone who takes that shortcut through the creek gets her or his car stuck in the mud. Drivers who take that shortcut through the creek get their cars stuck in the mud.

Identify the revised sentence that eliminates the pronoun reference problem in the following sentence. Fred had few ethical principles; they say he worked for whoever offered the highest fee.

Fred had few ethical principles; colleagues who knew him recall that he worked for whoever offered the highest fee.

Identify the sentence in which the pronoun agrees with its collective noun antecedent.

From the stage, the actors in the play waited for the excited audience to take their seats.

Identify the sentence that uses pronouns correctly.

He is sending a letter of apology to Arnold and me, but it's too late.

Identify the correct pronoun to complete the following sentence. My boss looks young, but he is older than ___.

I

Identify the sentence that has correct pronoun agreement and avoids gender-biased language.

In business, a manager is responsible for the work of subordinates.

Identify the sentence that corrects the pronoun reference problem in the following sentence. Juan and Bert supervise the machine operators, but they are going out to lunch.

Juan and Bert, who supervise the machine operators, are going out to lunch.

Identify the sentence in which pronouns match their indefinite pronoun antecedents in number.

Many of the employees waited patiently for their shuttle buses to pick them up.

Read the first sentence. Then, in the second sentence, choose the clause that eliminates the pronoun reference problem in the first sentence and write it in the box. They say that the soldier who lives in the apartment upstairs served in Afghanistan. (My neighbor said/It is said/I have heard them say) that the soldier who lives in the apartment upstairs served in Afghanistan.

My neighbor said

Identify the sentence that contains an indefinite pronoun.

One of Cynthia's children has blonde hair, but the other has brown hair.

Identify the sentence in which pronouns match their indefinite pronoun antecedents in number.

Our factories were severely damaged in the hurricane; each had its windows shattered and lost its roof.

Identify the sentence with clear pronoun reference.

Our supervisor expects as much from herself as from the people in her division. We all try hard to live up to this expectation.

Choose the sentences in this group in which each pronoun clearly refers to only one noun. Select all that apply.

Powell retrieved the file folder when Hawkins dropped it. When Carly asked for the documents, Sam handed her a file folder.

Identify the best solution to the pronoun reference problem in this sentence. I went to HR to pick up my badge ID, but they said it wasn't ready yet.

Replace they with the assistant

The sentence below includes a pronoun that could refer to more than one noun. Read the sentence, then choose the revised versions of the sentence that solve the pronoun reference problem. Note: Revised sentences may have different meanings. Select all that apply. Shayla wanted to speak with her boss after the meeting, but she had to run to another appointment.

Shayla wanted to speak with her boss after the meeting, but her boss had to run to another appointment. Shayla wanted to speak with her boss after the meeting, but her boss said, "I have to run to another appointment." Although Shayla had to run to another appointment, she wanted to speak with her boss after the meeting.

Choose the item that has no problems with pronoun reference.

She is certainly as qualified as he is, but qualifications are not the only factor that management is taking into account.

Identify the sentence that best corrects the pronoun reference error in the following sentence. According to the guidebook, you can find almost anything in New York.

Shoppers can find almost anything they need in New York, according to the guidebook.

Identify the sentence in which pronouns agree with their antecedent in number.

Some English words had their origins in Latin, but most words had their beginnings in German.

Identify the sentence in which the pronoun agrees with its antecedent in number.

Statistics is most demanding in its requirements.

Choose the revised sentences that correct the pronoun reference problem in the following sentence. Select all that apply. The White Pine Bed and Breakfast had been upset when it disappeared, but I found it while unpacking my suitcase and emailed them immediately to let her know.

The White Pine Bed & Breakfast had been upset when it disappeared, but I found the rare book while unpacking my suitcase and emailed immediately to let them know. The White Pine Bed and Breakfast had been upset when the rare book disappeared, but I found it while unpacking my suitcase and emailed immediately to let them know.

Identify the statement that best applies to the bolded pronoun in the following sentence. The team sent the research report to a copy editor, and she returned the document with notes and corrections.

The bolded pronoun clearly refers to only one noun in this sentence.

Choose the revised sentences that correct the pronoun reference problem in the following sentence. Select all that apply. They say the clerical workers should take a 10-minute break every two hours.

The consultants say the clerical workers should take a 10-minute break every two hours. Sarah has met with the outside consultants, and they say the clerical workers should take a 10-minute break every two hours.

Identify the sentence in which pronouns agree with their antecedent in number.

Visitors to the park must pick up all of their garbage before they leave.

Identify the collective noun.

audience

Identify the type of pronoun included in the following sentence. "These are not good shoes," Phyllis told the salesperson.

demonstrative

Identify the correct possessive form of the pronoun it to complete the following sentence. Khalid prefers going to Jenna's coffee shop because of ___ close proximity to the office.

its

Identify which of the following is a plural pronoun.

our

Indicate whether each answer option is a possessive pronoun, an adverb indicating location, or a contraction.

possessive pronoun - their adverb indicating location - there contraction - they're

Identify the plural indefinite pronouns. Select all that apply.

several many

Select the word that correctly completes the following sentence. On my way back from lunch, I'm going to stop by the shipping department to pick up the replacement part ___ I ordered last week.

that

Choose the option that corrects the pronoun reference error in the sample sentence. When my car's mechanic suggested an expensive repair, it had nearly 250,000 miles on it already. When my car's mechanic suggested an expensive repair, (he/you/the car) had nearly 250,000 miles on it already.

the car

Identify the correct pronoun to complete the sentence. The managers want to talk to me about my use of the copying machine, but ___ questioning always makes me nervous.

their

Choose the sentences that correctly revise the error in pronoun agreement with collective nouns in the following sentence. Select all that apply. After the concert, the band tried to run to their tour bus, but the crowd made their way to the stage before the band could escape.

After the concert, the band members tried to run to their tour bus, but the crowd made its way to the stage before the band could escape. After the concert, the band tried to run to its tour bus, but the crowd made its way to the stage before the band could escape.

Identify the sentence in which the pronoun agrees with its collective noun antecedent.

After the mob pushed its way into the mayor's office, it was dispersed by the police.

Identify the sentence that has correct pronoun agreement and avoids gender-biased language.

All drivers must wear safety belts; otherwise, the police can issue them a summons.

Identify the sentence in which pronouns match their indefinite pronoun antecedents in number.

All of the field is soaked from the rain, but it will be dry tomorrow.

Identify the sentence in which pronouns match their indefinite pronoun antecedents in number.

All pronouns must refer to nouns or other pronouns; in other words, each must have its antecedent.

The sentence below includes a pronoun that could refer to more than one noun. Read the sentence, then choose the revised versions of the sentence that solve the pronoun reference problem. Note: Revised sentences may have different meanings. Select all that apply. Anna dropped her phone on the glass table and broke it.

Anna dropped her phone on the glass table and broke the tabletop. Anna's phone broke when she dropped it on the glass table. Anna dropped her phone on the glass table and broke her phone.

Identify the sentence in which pronouns match their indefinite pronoun antecedents in number.

Both of the jobs were promising, and their salaries and benefits were comparable.

Identify the pronoun that correctly completes the following sentence. My staff are as experienced as ___.

I

Identify the sentence that uses pronouns correctly.

I know this vacation will do wonders for both us and them.

Choose the sentence that uses pronouns correctly.

I started a small business, but I did not realize how much it would cost.

Identify the revised sentence that eliminates the pronoun reference problem in the following sentence. I think the professor covered it in a lecture, but I don't really remember how it works.

I think the professor covered mitosis in a lecture, but I don't really remember how it works.

Identify the sentence in which the pronoun agrees with its antecedent in number.

I watch the news every night, even though I usually find it depressing.

Identify the sentence in which pronouns match their indefinite pronoun antecedents in number.

I won't take my car to either station; both have raised their prices and fired their best mechanics.

Identify the sentence in which the pronoun agrees with its antecedent in number.

If Alicia or Luz could work harder, she might set a positive example for the other team members.

Identify the sentence in which pronouns match their indefinite pronoun antecedents in number.

If any of the cookies are left, I would like to take them home.

Identify the revisions of the following sentence that achieve correct pronoun agreement and correct use of gender-neutral pronouns. Select all that apply. If anybody calls, tell him that I am out of the office.

If anybody calls, tell her or him that I am out of the office. If anybody calls, tell him or her that I am out of the office.

Identify the sentence that uses the correct possessive form of the pronoun it.

Japan's ability to produce electronic equipment strengthened its economy.

Identify the best method for correcting the pronoun reference error in the following sample sentence. Jony Ive's designs for Apple products are iconic, and he was often highly praised.

Jony Ive's designs for Apple products are iconic, and they were often highly praised.

Choose the revised sentences that correct the pronoun reference problem in the sentence below. Select all that apply. In the research study, they explore how physical activity can reduce stress.

Jordan and Anderson conducted research on office workers and exercise, and in the study, they explore how physical activity can reduce stress. In the research study, Jordan and Anderson explore how physical activity can reduce stress.

Identify the sentence that contains an indefinite pronoun.

Much has been written on the topic of organizational behavior.

Identify the sentence in which the pronoun agrees with its compound antecedent in number.

My father and my uncles did not take their usual fishing trip this year.

Identify the sentence in which the pronoun agrees with its compound antecedent in number.

Neither Lisa nor her sisters could eat any more after they had finished all the ice cream.

Choose the sentences that correctly revise the error in pronoun agreement in the following sentence. Select all that apply. Neither Rohil nor the other players felt that his season had been wasted after the big loss.

Neither Rohil nor the other players felt that their season had been wasted after the big loss. Neither the other players nor Rohil felt that the season had been wasted after the big loss.

Identify the sentence in which the pronoun agrees with its antecedent in number.

Neither cameras nor audio recorders were permitted because they interfered with the ceremony.

Identify the sentence in which pronouns match their indefinite pronoun antecedents in number.

Neither can hold her own on the tennis court against the champion.

Identify the sentence in which the pronoun agrees with its antecedent in number.

Neither the babies nor the puppies cared that they had made a huge mess.

Identify the sentence in which the pronoun agrees with its compound antecedent in number.

Noah, André, and the rest of the boys swam until they were almost too tired to get out of the water.

Identify the sentence in which the pronoun agrees with its antecedent in number.

Office politics is at its worst when people are seeking to get promoted.

Identify the sentence that has correct pronoun agreement and avoids gender-biased language.

People who sit a lot at work should regularly stand to stretch their legs.

Identify the use of the pronoun you in the following passage. "All of you salespeople need to learn to think for yourselves," said the supervisor. "When you are with a client, you need to create a relationship, not ask for help."

Plural, because you refers to the plural salespeople.

Identify the revisions that fix the unclear pronoun reference in the following sentence. Select all that apply. Research indicates that you would benefit from getting a pet to reduce stress.

Research indicates that almost everyone would benefit from getting a pet to reduce stress. Research indicates that many people would benefit from getting a pet to reduce stress.

Identify the sentence in which pronouns match their indefinite pronoun antecedents in number.

Sara had read several of the manuals, but she could not remember their titles.

The sentence below includes a pronoun that could refer to more than one noun. Read the sentence, then choose the revised versions of the sentence that solve the pronoun reference problem. Note: Revised sentences may have different meanings. Select all that apply. Sarah agreed to tutor Jazmine while she was taking genetics.

Sarah agreed to tutor Jazmine while Jazmine was taking genetics. While taking genetics, Sarah agreed to tutor Jazmine. Sarah agreed to tutor Jazmine, who was taking genetics.

Identify the sentence in which pronouns match their indefinite pronoun antecedents in number.

Tests on the two viruses show that neither has had its life span shortened by the new drug.

Identify the sentence in which the pronoun agrees with its compound antecedent in number.

The architect and the contractor worked out their differences.

Identify the statement that best applies to the bolded pronoun in the following sentence. Samira made a list of all required qualifications for the position so that she could address each of them in her cover letter.

The bolded pronoun clearly refers to only one noun in this sentence.

Choose the revised sentences that eliminate the pronoun reference error in the following sentence. Select all that apply. The car's driver slammed on the brakes so suddenly that I nearly rear-ended it.

The car stopped so suddenly that I almost rear-ended it. The car's driver slammed on the brakes so suddenly that I nearly rear-ended him.

Identify the sentence in which the pronoun agrees with its collective noun antecedent.

The crowd roared its approval at its idol.

Identify which of the following sentences uses a plural pronoun.

The dogs were hungry, so I fed them scraps from the table.

Identify the sentence in which the pronoun agrees with its collective noun antecedent.

The finance committee argued about the proper course of action after they all responded differently to the unexpected report on expenses.

Identify the sentence in which the pronoun agrees with its collective noun antecedent.

The newspaper reporters followed the jury as it filed out of the courthouse.

Identify the sentence that uses pronouns correctly.

The office WiFi network and Bluetooth network did not have their service disrupted by the electrical storm.

Choose the sentence with clear pronoun reference.

The store managers are going to close the doors on us if we don't leave soon.

Identify which of the following sentences uses a singular pronoun.

The storm came on quickly, and its loud thunder frightened the dogs.

Identify the sentence with clear pronoun reference.

The watercress, which was mixed with endive and arugula, gave the salad a unique flavor.

Identify the sentence in which pronouns agree with their antecedents in number.

There are two pregnant women in the department; each of them is in her third trimester.

Identify the sentence in which pronouns match their indefinite pronoun antecedents in number.

Though divorced, each of the men supports his children.

Identify the sentence in which pronouns match their indefinite pronoun antecedents in number.

We have two copiers; each has settings to select its resolution and contrast.

Identify the sentence that uses pronouns correctly.

We were certainly bothered by the quarterly loss, but it bothered Cheryl more than us.

Choose the sentence that uses the correct pronoun.

We workers demanded better hours and more benefits, but there was no convincing management.

Identify the sentence that contains an indefinite pronoun.

What I told you yesterday must not be repeated to anyone.

Identify the sentence that includes a collective noun.

When John joined the orchestra, it soon became a major part of his life.

Identify the sentence that uses possessive pronouns correctly.

When Kym opened the office door, she saw that the figure at the desk was not her boss.

Identify the sentence that includes a collective noun.

When the ship docked, the crew was grateful to be home.

Identify the sentence that uses the correct pronoun.

You received more feedback from Martin than from me.

Identify the indefinite pronouns that can be singular or plural depending on the context. Select all that apply.

any all

Identify the type of pronoun that is in bold in the following sentence. These are obligations to be met by the end of the month.

demonstrative

Identify which of the following are not possessive pronouns. Select all that apply.

her's its'

Identify the type of pronoun included in the following sentence. Angela's weakness is a craving for sweets; mine is a love of ice cream.

personal

Identify the type of pronoun included in the following sentence. Be good to yourself!

reflexive

Identify the correct pronoun to complete the sentence. My cousin told me that sometimes Aunt Wilma and ___ invest in stocks together.

she

Identify the pronoun that correctly completes the following sentence. Benedict is as frustrated as ___.

we

Indicate whether each answer option is which, who, or that.

which - We're renting the house while they are gone, ___ will allow them to move back in after their year away is over. who - The owners are congenial people ___ are moving to another state for a year. that - We're renting a small house ___ the owners have just finished renovating.

Identify the correct relative pronoun to complete the following sentence. The campus safety officer asked, "Do you know ___ pulled the fire alarm?"

who

Identify the sentence that uses relative pronouns correctly. I wonder ___ is going to take the stinky breakroom trash to the dumpster outside.

who

Identify the correct word to complete the following sentence. Our boss called this meeting to tell us ___ attending the national conference next year.

who's

Identify the correct relative pronoun to complete the following sentence. Please feel free to share the leftover wedding cake with ___ wants to take some home.

whoever

Identify the correct relative pronoun to complete the following sentence. The dean of the college can give custom awards to ___ she decides deserves one.

whomever

Indicate whether each answer option is the contraction who's or the possessive pronoun whose.

whose - I need to interview a research scientist ___ work experience is in the private sector. whose - Please tell me ___ phone I can use for this call. who's - I've asked Professor Stanley to suggest someone ___ a good choice for this interview. who's - Have you decided ___ going to be the subject of your article?