Indefinite Pronoun Antecedent Agreement

As a copy editor, one of the most common errors I see is indefinite pronoun antecedent agreement. This may sound like a mouthful, but it`s actually a simple concept that can greatly improve the clarity and effectiveness of your writing.

First, let`s define some terms. An antecedent is the word or group of words that a pronoun refers to. For example, in the sentence “John went to the store and he bought some bread,” “John” is the antecedent for the pronoun “he.” An indefinite pronoun, on the other hand, does not refer to a specific person, place, or thing. Examples include “anyone,” “someone,” “everyone,” “nothing,” and “everything.”

The key to indefinite pronoun antecedent agreement is making sure that the pronoun matches the antecedent in number and gender. For example, if the antecedent is “everyone,” the pronoun that refers back to it should also be singular and gender-neutral, such as “they” or “their.” Incorrect: Everyone should do their own work. Correct: Everyone should do his or her own work.

Similarly, if the antecedent is a singular pronoun such as “someone” or “anyone,” the pronoun that refers back to it should also be singular. Incorrect: If anyone needs help, they should ask me. Correct: If anyone needs help, he or she should ask me.

It`s also important to note that some indefinite pronouns are always plural, such as “both,” “few,” and “several.” In these cases, the pronoun that refers back to them should also be plural. Incorrect: Both of the students finished their test. Correct: Both of the students finished his or her test.

In addition to being grammatically correct, using indefinite pronoun antecedent agreement can also help you avoid confusion and ambiguity. By making sure that your pronouns match their antecedents, you can ensure that your readers understand exactly who or what you`re referring to.

So the next time you`re writing, make sure to pay attention to your indefinite pronoun antecedent agreement. By making this simple adjustment, you can improve the clarity and effectiveness of your writing.