Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement

The antecedent of a pronoun is often a noun or a noun phrase

If the antecedent is singular, the pronoun must be singular. If the antecedent is plural ,the pronoun must be plural.

Our carnivorous friends will not attend the picnic because they despise tofu hotdogs and black bean burgers.

Karline hopes that her roommates remember to walk the new puppy.

Feminine-Adeline bit her lip.

Neuter-I just saw a mouse. It was running across the room.

Masculine-Madeleine saw Kim. She said ‘Hello’ to him.

Neuter-The dog chased its mother down the length of the fence.

Feminine-The mother dog allowed her excited offspring to jump up on her back.

The student is responsible for his conduct.

If the antecedents are joined but and or both--and, the pronoun should be plural.If they are joined by or,nor, either-or ,neither nor the pronoun should agree with the antecedent that is closer to it.

Jon and Shawan passed their test.

Neither the girls in the chorus nor Mrs.Peters remembered to bring her music.

Beth or her sisters will bring their mother.

The pronoun must agree in number with the indefinite pronoun.

Either of the options has its merits.

Several of the plans have their supporters.

Everybody is worried about his midterms.

Both passed their certification exam.

Either of the men would do his best if chosen.

Each of the sisters has her own interests.

One of the chairs has lost its back left leg.

Nobody wanted his picture in the newspaper.