Pronoun Agreement: Meaning and Examples

Pronouns are an essential part of the English language. They enable us to refer to people, places, and things without having to repeat their names every time we mention them. One of the most important rules to keep in mind while using pronouns is pronoun agreement.

Pronoun agreement means that the pronoun you use must agree in number, gender, and case with the noun it replaces. In simpler terms, you need to ensure that the pronoun matches the noun it is replacing in terms of singular or plural form, gender, and whether it is subject or object.

Here are some examples of pronoun agreement:

1. Singular Nouns and Pronouns

When using a singular noun, you should always use a singular pronoun to refer to it. For instance:

– John went to the store. He bought some groceries.

The pronoun `he` replaces the singular noun `John`. Both are singular and masculine.

2. Plural Nouns and Pronouns

When using a plural noun, you should always use a plural pronoun to refer to it. For instance:

– The kids went to the park. They played on the swings.

The pronoun `they` replaces the plural noun `kids`. Both are plural.

3. Gender Neutral Pronouns

Sometimes, you may need to use a gender-neutral pronoun when referring to a person or group. In such cases, you can use pronouns like `they`, `them`, `their`, or `theirs` to avoid gender-specific pronouns like `he` or `she`. For example:

– The customer is always right. They have the final say.

Here, the gender-neutral pronoun `they` replaces the gender-specific noun `customer`.

4. Subject and Object Pronouns

Pronouns can be classified as subject or object pronouns depending on how they are used in a sentence. A subject pronoun is used as the subject of a sentence, while an object pronoun is used as an object of a verb or a preposition. For instance:

– She likes ice cream. (subject pronoun)

– He gave it to me. (object pronoun)

In conclusion, pronoun agreement is an important rule in English grammar that you must follow to ensure clarity and accuracy in your writing. By paying attention to the number, gender, and case of the pronouns you use, you can avoid ambiguity and make your writing more effective.