As a copy editor with extensive knowledge in search engine optimization, one of the most common grammatical errors I come across is pronoun-antecedent agreement errors. These errors can occur when the pronoun used in a sentence does not agree with its antecedent, which refers to the noun or pronoun it replaces.
Pronoun-antecedent agreement errors can be tricky to spot, but they can significantly impact the clarity and coherence of your writing. For instance, a pronoun that does not agree with its antecedent can create confusion and make it difficult for readers to understand your intended message.
To help you identify and avoid pronoun-antecedent agreement errors, let`s take a look at some examples and see which sentence contains an error in pronoun-antecedent agreement on Quizlet:
1. Each of the students must complete their homework before tomorrow`s class.
2. The manager called a meeting, but they were unable to attend due to a prior engagement.
3. One of the dogs made a mess in the kitchen, so they had to be put outside.
In sentence 1, the error lies in the use of “their” to refer to “each of the students.” This is incorrect because “each” is a singular pronoun, and so the correct pronoun to use would be “his or her” or “his” or “her.” So, the correct version of the sentence would be: “Each of the students must complete his or her homework before tomorrow`s class.”
In sentence 2, the error lies in the use of “they” to refer to “the manager.” This is incorrect because “the manager” is a singular noun, and so the correct pronoun to use would be “he” or “she.” So, the correct version of the sentence would be: “The manager called a meeting, but he or she was unable to attend due to a prior engagement.”
In sentence 3, the error lies in the use of “they” to refer to “one of the dogs.” This is incorrect because “one” is a singular pronoun, and so the correct pronoun to use would be “it.” So, the correct version of the sentence would be: “One of the dogs made a mess in the kitchen, so it had to be put outside.”
In conclusion, pronoun-antecedent agreement errors are common in writing but can be easily avoided. By paying careful attention to the number and gender of the antecedent and selecting the appropriate pronoun, you can ensure that your writing is clear, coherent, and free from errors. Use this quick quizlet as a guide to help you identify and correct any pronoun-antecedent agreement errors in your writing.
