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UWF WRITING LAB RULES OF THUMB FOR PRONOUN REFERENCE AND ANTECEDENT AGREEMENT. From Real Good Grammar, Too by Mamie Webb Hixon. RULE #1.
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UWF WRITING LABRULES OF THUMB FOR PRONOUN REFERENCE AND ANTECEDENT AGREEMENT From Real Good Grammar, Too by Mamie Webb Hixon Created by April Turner
RULE #1 • Every pronoun must have a clear and conspicuous antecedent (word to which it refers). The antecedent must be a single noun, not an entire sentence or idea. Therefore, do not use the pronouns it, which, that, and this to refer to an entire sentence.
RULE #1 Examples • UNCLEAR: It says in today’s paper that the weather will be warmer. • CLEAR:Today’s paper says that the weather will be warmer. • UNCLEAR: In the President’s speech, he said Americans need better health care insurance. • CLEAR:In his speech, the President said Americans need better health care insurance. • UNCLEAR: In my senior seminar, you have to write three research papers. • CLEAR:In my senior seminar, students have to write three research papers.
RULE #1 Examples, cont. • UNCLEAR: My husband wants me to become a teacher, but I’m not interested in it. • CLEAR:My husband wants me to become a teacher, but I’m not interested in teaching. • UNCLEAR: Hannah is not doing well in her physics class, which is frustrating. • CLEAR:Hannah is not doing well in her physics class, a situation which is frustrating. • UNCLEAR: Javier wrote to his brother when he was away at college. • CLEAR: When Javier was away at college, he wrote to his brother. • UNCLEAR: At this university, they require students to pass a writing test. • CLEAR: At this university, students are required to pass a writing test.
RULE #2 • Every pronoun must agree with/match its antecedent in number: If the antecedent is singular, the pronoun must be singular too; if the antecedent is plural, the pronoun must be plural too. And--every pronoun must agree with/match its antecedent in gender: Use masculine, feminine, or neuter pronouns (it or its) to match the masculine, feminine, or neuter antecedents.
RULE #2 Examples • The prosecuting attorney presented his case. • Each witness gave his or her testimony. • Judge Judy made her decision. • The jurors gave their verdict. • The court made its decision. • Every journalist wrote his or her story.
Let’s Practice!!! • Any student wishing to add a new course after January 10 must file a petition with (his or her, your, their) advisor. • HIS or HER • The college plans a variety of entertainment and instruction so that (its, it’s, their) graduates can keep abreast of modern education. • ITS • Carlos’s interest in horseback riding stems from the fact that his grandparents raise them. • …RAISE HORSES.
Let’s Practice a Little More!!! • Mumps is an unpredictable disease; some of the family contracted them, and others did not. • …CONTRACTED IT… • Does either of the applicants for the job have their degree in marketing? • …HAVE HIS OR HER DEGREE… • The economists forecast a rise in production; this was certainly encouraging to all of us looking for jobs. • THIS FORECAST WAS… • In this chapter, it states that a theme should have a thesis statement. • …THE AUTHOR STATES…