Agreement of Pronoun and Antecedent B

Agreement of Pronoun and Antecedent B: Tips for Clear and Effective Writing

Pronoun-antecedent agreement is one of the essential rules of grammar, and it is crucial to understand its nuances to convey your message accurately and effectively. This rule dictates that a pronoun must agree with its antecedent in number, gender, and person. However, there are some cases of pronoun-antecedent agreement that can be tricky, especially when dealing with collective nouns, indefinite pronouns, and compound antecedents. In this article, we will focus on the latter, particularly on pronoun and antecedent B.

What is pronoun and antecedent B?

Pronoun and antecedent B refer to a compound antecedent joined by the conjunctions „either,“ „neither,“ „or,“ and „nor.“ When using these conjunctions, the verb must agree with the noun closest to the verb. For example:

– Either Jack or Jill will bring ___ book to the party. (his or her)

– Neither the boys nor the girls want ___ picture taken. (their)

– She neither approved nor rejected ___ application. (his or her)

As you can see, the pronoun used agrees with the antecedent closest to it. It might seem straightforward, but there are some things to consider when dealing with pronoun and antecedent B.

Tips for using pronoun and antecedent B

1. Identify the antecedent closest to the pronoun.

When using either, neither, or, or nor, identify the noun closest to the pronoun and use the appropriate singular or plural pronoun. For instance:

– Either the tools or the equipment is in ___ place. (its)

– Neither the teacher nor the students submitted ___ assignments on time. (their)

– The dog or the cat has lost ___ collar. (its)

2. Be consistent with gender and person.

When using his or her, make sure to be consistent with the gender of the antecedent. If the antecedent is singular and its gender is unknown, use his or her or singular they. For instance:

– Either the boss or the employee needs to turn in ___ report. (his or her, or singular they)

– Neither the doctor nor the nurse can find ___ stethoscope. (his or her, or singular they)

3. Don`t forget about number.

When using either, neither, or, or nor with plural antecedents, make sure to use a plural pronoun. For example:

– Either the men or the women have lost ___ wallets. (their)

– Neither the boys nor the girls knew ___ lines. (their)

– The kids either want pizza or burgers for ___ dinner. (their)

In conclusion, pronoun and antecedent B can be challenging, but following these tips can make your writing clear, effective, and grammatically correct. Remember to identify the antecedent closest to the pronoun, be consistent with gender and person, and don`t forget about number. These simple rules can make a big difference in your writing and help you avoid common errors that can diminish the impact of your message.