writers.com tips:
Pronoun Pointers
A pronoun
refers back to a noun or
takes the place of that noun. The
correct pronoun must be used so the reader understands which noun the
pronoun is referring to or replacing.
Pronouns must agree in number:
Singular pronouns taking the place of singular nouns.
- Correct: If a dancer expects to be a star, she has to practice.
- Incorrect: If a dancer expects to be a star, they have to practice.
Everybody, anybody, anyone, each, neither, nobody, someone, a person,
etc. are singular and take singular pronouns.
- Correct: Everybody must know his basics.
- Incorrect: Everybody must know their basics.
Pronouns must agree in person:
When writing in the "first person" (I), don't switch to the "second"
(you) or "third person" (he, she, they, it, etc.). Using the "second
person," don't switch to "first" or "third"; in "third person don't
switch to "first" or "second."
- Correct: When a dancer goes to an audition, he should be prepared.
- Incorrect: When a dancer goes to an audition, you should be prepared.
Pronouns must refer clearly to a specific noun.
- Although the sandbag hit the stage, it was not damaged. (Is "it" thesandbag or the stage?)
- I don't feel they should have continued the audition. (Who are "they"?)
- The end is drawing nigh, which is a relief. (What is a relief, the end or that it is drawing nigh?)
- Tiffany worked there last year. This may be her last time. (What word does "this" refer to?)
- If you jot all the steps down on paper, you can refer to it later. (What does "it" refer to the steps or the paper?)
:: back to resources index ::
Copyright (c) 2005 Writers on the Net.
This feature was originally published in "Writers.com," the monthly
electronic newsletter of Writers on the Net. This publication may not
be
reproduced in print or posted elsewhere on the Web or used in any other
fashion,
in whole or in part, without written permission from
Writers on the
Net/Writers.com. Subscribe here
or by emailing
writers@writers.com.
home:about:classes:enroll:services:instructors:newsletter:tips:store
writers on the
net/writers.com
© 1995-2005