Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement

Question 1

Use a singular pronoun to refer to a singular indefinite pronoun;

Answer 1

use a plural pronoun to refer to a plural indefinite pronoun

Question 2

Each of the men was waiting for his wife

Pronoun =
Antecedent =

Answer 2

Pronoun = his - singular

Antecedent = each - singular

Verb = was waiting - singular

Question 3

Many of the women were waiting for their husbands.

Pronoun =
Antecedent =

Answer 3

Pronoun = their - plural

Antecedent = many - plural

Prep phrase = of the woman - plural

Verb = were waiting - plural

Question 4

Tricky!

The antecedent of a singular pronoun may be either male or female.

Answer 4

Use
He she
Him her
His her(s)

Question 5

According to the police officers testimony, someone was seen entering the bank just before the robbery carrying a red pocketbook under (her, their) arm

Answer 5

Antecedent = Someone
(Indefinite pronouns ending in “one” “body” are always singular)

Pronoun = her - singular

Question 6

Both of the skydivers had brought (his, their) own parachutes and safety gear in preparation for tomorrow’s jump

Pronoun =

Answer 6

Pronoun = their

Question 7

Anyone who wants to attend next Saturday’s dance at the rotary club can pick up (his or her, their) ticket at the information booth on Vince st.

Pronoun =

Answer 7

His or her

Question 8

No one knows whether any of the churches or synagogues in town will provide space in (it’s, their) buildings for a homeless shelter.

Pronoun =

Answer 8

Antecedent = any (SANAM)
Look at the prep phrase that follows “any”

Pronoun - Their

Question 9

Either Kate or her sister didn’t finish (her,their) dinner.

Pronoun =

Answer 9

Antecedent = either - (always singular)

Pronoun = her

Question 10

The basic rules:
• a pronoun must agree with its antecedent in number (singular or plural)
• a pronoun must agree with its antecedent in gender (male, female, neuter)

Neuter = inanimate objects / sometimes animals

Answer 10

It and its is neuter