Pronoun Agreement Error Example: Simple Ways to Avoid Grammatical Mistakes

Pronoun agreement errors are among the most common mistakes in writing. They occur when the pronoun used does not match the antecedent it is referring to. This can lead to confusion, ambiguity, and even change the meaning of a sentence. In this article, we will discuss the most common pronoun agreement error examples and how to avoid them.

The most basic rule in pronoun agreement is that a singular pronoun must match with a singular antecedent, and a plural pronoun must match with a plural antecedent. For instance:

Incorrect: Each of the students are excited about their project.

Correct: Each of the students is excited about his or her project.

In this example, “each” is a singular subject, so the singular pronoun “his or her” should be used instead of the plural “their.” Another example is:

Incorrect: Martha and Sally are friends, they love to hang out together.

Correct: Martha and Sally are friends, and they love to hang out together.

In this sentence, “they” is a plural pronoun, but the antecedent “Martha and Sally” is a compound subject, which makes it plural. The correct way to write this sentence is by adding a conjunction, in this case “and,” to connect the two subjects.

Another common mistake in pronoun agreement is using indefinite pronouns incorrectly. Indefinite pronouns refer to a non-specific person or thing, such as “everyone,” “someone,” “anyone,” and “no one.” For example:

Incorrect: Everyone should bring their own lunch.

Correct: Everyone should bring his or her own lunch.

In this example, “everyone” is a singular subject, and using the plural pronoun “their” creates a disagreement in pronoun agreement. A better way to write this sentence is by using “his or her” as the pronoun, which is singular.

Finally, another common mistake in pronoun agreement is using gender-specific pronouns. For instance:

Incorrect: When a student finishes his assignment, they should submit it to the teacher.

Correct: When a student finishes his or her assignment, he or she should submit it to the teacher.

In this example, the sentence uses “his” as a gender-specific pronoun, which is not always inclusive for all genders. A better way to write this sentence is by using “his or her,” which is gender-neutral and inclusive.

In conclusion, pronoun agreement errors can be easily avoided by following simple rules in grammar. Always make sure to match the pronoun with its corresponding antecedent, use indefinite pronouns correctly, and opt for gender-neutral pronouns to be inclusive and sensitive to all genders. By avoiding these common mistakes, your writing will be clear, concise, and free from any confusion.