Pronoun agreement is a crucial aspect of the English language that helps to convey a clear and concise message. Incorrect pronoun agreement can lead to confusion and miscommunication, which is why it is essential to understand the rules of pronoun agreement.

In this article, we will discuss examples of pronoun agreement in English and how to use them correctly.

Subject-verb agreement

The subject-verb agreement is one of the most basic examples of pronoun agreement in English. It refers to the agreement between the subject of a sentence and the verb that follows it. In other words, the verb must agree with the subject in terms of number and person.

For example:

– The boy runs. (Singular subject and singular verb)

– The boys run. (Plural subject and plural verb)

– She walks. (Singular subject and singular verb)

– They walk. (Plural subject and plural verb)

In these examples, the subject and the verb are in agreement, which creates a grammatically correct sentence.

Pronoun-antecedent agreement

Pronoun-antecedent agreement refers to the agreement between a pronoun and its antecedent, which is the noun that the pronoun replaces. In this case, the pronoun must agree with the antecedent in terms of number, gender, and person.

For example:

– Linda and her friend went to the park. She enjoyed the swings. (The pronoun “she” refers to Linda since she is the closest antecedent.)

– The dog wagged its tail. (The pronoun “its” refers to the dog, which is a singular and gender-neutral antecedent.)

– The students completed their homework. (The pronoun “their” refers to the plural antecedent “students.”)

In these examples, the pronoun and the antecedent are in agreement, creating a clear and concise message.

Indefinite pronoun agreement

Indefinite pronouns are pronouns that refer to an unspecified person, thing, or group. In this case, the pronoun must agree with the noun it replaces in terms of number and gender.

For example:

– Everyone should bring their own lunch. (The singular indefinite pronoun “everyone” is replaced by the plural pronoun “their.”)

– Neither of the girls brought her book. (The singular indefinite pronoun “neither” requires a singular pronoun “her” to refer to “one girl” in this case.)

– Some of the people lost their keys. (The plural indefinite pronoun “some” is replaced by the plural pronoun “their.”)

In these examples, the indefinite pronoun and the noun it replaces are in agreement, making the sentence grammatically correct.

In conclusion, pronoun agreement is essential in creating a clear and concise message while using the English language. Understanding the rules of pronoun agreement will help you avoid confusion and miscommunication in your writing.