Pronoun Agreement Problem: What It Is and How to Fix It
As a copy editor, one of the most common errors I come across is the pronoun agreement problem. Pronoun agreement refers to the correct matching of pronouns with their antecedents in a sentence. When pronoun agreement is incorrect, it can lead to confusion, ambiguity, and lack of clarity in the text. In this article, we will explore what pronoun agreement problem is, why it occurs, and how to fix it.
What is the Pronoun Agreement Problem?
Pronoun agreement problem occurs when the pronoun used in a sentence does not agree in number, gender, or person with its antecedent. An antecedent is the noun or pronoun that the pronoun refers to in a sentence. For example, in the sentence, «John went to the store, and he bought some milk,» the antecedent of the pronoun «he» is «John.» The pronoun should agree in gender (masculine) and number (singular) with the antecedent.
Why Does the Pronoun Agreement Problem Occur?
The pronoun agreement problem can occur for several reasons. One reason is a lack of clarity in the sentence, making it difficult to determine the correct antecedent of the pronoun. Another reason is incorrect grammar usage, such as the use of a plural pronoun to refer to a singular antecedent or vice versa. Additionally, gender-neutral language can be challenging to navigate when trying to match the gender of the pronoun with the gender of the antecedent.
How to Fix the Pronoun Agreement Problem?
To fix the pronoun agreement problem, you need to ensure that the pronoun matches the antecedent in number, gender, and person. Here are some tips to help you fix the pronoun agreement problem:
1. Identify the antecedent: To ensure that the pronoun agrees with its antecedent, you need to identify the antecedent clearly.
2. Use singular and plural pronouns correctly: Use a singular pronoun to refer to a singular antecedent and a plural pronoun to refer to a plural antecedent.
3. Match gendered pronouns correctly: Use gendered pronouns that match the gender of the antecedent.
4. Use gender-neutral pronouns if necessary: If gender-neutral language is required, use they/them pronouns or other gender-neutral pronouns that are acceptable in your context.
Example of Correct Pronoun Agreement
Consider the following sentence: «The teacher gave the students their assignments, and they completed them before the deadline.» In this sentence, the pronoun «they» agrees in number and gender with the plural antecedent «students.»
In conclusion, pronoun agreement problem is a common issue in writing that can lead to confusion and lack of clarity in the text. To fix it, you need to ensure that the pronoun matches the antecedent in number, gender, and person. With these tips, you can avoid the pronoun agreement problem and make your writing clear and concise.