1. Making Indefinite Pronouns and Their Antecedents Agree
Indefinite pronouns do not refer to a specific person. Indefinite pronouns are usually singular. A
pronoun that has an indefinite pronoun as its antecedent should also be singular.
Referring to Indefinite Pronouns
Indefinite Pronoun: someone
Example 1: If wants a job, should have a polished r攃Āsum攃Ā.someone he or she
Indefinite Pronoun: everyone
Example 2: Everyone in the beauty pageant had her nails and hair done.
In the first example, is a singular antecedent, so you must use the singular pronoun someone he or
she with it. In the past, writers used masculine pronouns ( , , he his him) to refer to people, regardless
of their gender. However, many now consider this to be sexist language. Therefore, use unless they
the indefinite pronoun refers to an explicitly gendered antecedent. For the second
example, might sound like a plural noun to you. However, it is singular, and therefore must everyone
be used with a singular pronoun. Because everyone clearly refers to each of the women in a beauty
pageant, it is appropriate to use the feminine pronoun .her
Directions: Complete each sentence by selecting the blank line and choosing the correct pronoun from
the dropdown menu. Then, identify the antecedent of the pronoun in the question that follows.
Nobody could find shin guards in the men's locker room before soccer practice.his
Points:
1 / 1
What is the antecedent of the pronoun?
Practice
Nobody
Room
Points:
1 / 1
Close Explanation
Explanation:
"Nobody" is the correct antecedent. "His" is the correct pronoun in this sentence because it refers to
the singular indefinite pronoun antecedent . Remember, is singular in number. nobody nobody
Therefore, always use a singular pronoun to refer to it. Use the masculine pronoun in this sentencehis
because the shin guards belong to a man (you can assume this because they were lost in the men's
locker room).
Everyone on the boys' varsity team brought uniform to track practice.his
Points:
1 / 1
What is the antecedent of the pronoun?
Practice
Everyone
Boys
Points:
1 / 1
Close Explanation
Explanation:
"Everyone" is the correct antecedent. "His" is the correct pronoun in this sentence because it refers to
the singular indefinite pronoun antecedent . Remember, is singular in number. everyone everyone
Therefore, always use a singular pronoun to refer to it. Use the masculine pronoun in this sentencehis
because the uniforms belong to boys.
Anyone who wants to earn associate's degree should consider enrolling in courses his or her
at a community college.
Points:
1 / 1
What is the antecedent of the pronoun?
Community college
Degree
Anyone
Points:
1 / 1
Close Explanation
Explanation:
"Anyone" is the correct antecedent. "His or her" is the correct pronoun phrase in this sentence
because it refers to the singular indefinite pronoun antecedent . Remember, is singular anyone anyone
in number. Therefore, always use a singular pronoun (or pronoun phrase) to refer to it. Use the
feminine and masculine pronouns in this sentence because the gender of is not his or her anyone
specified.
No one admitted that forgot to replace the roll of toilet paper.he or she
Points:
1 / 1
What is the antecedent of the pronoun?
Paper
No one
Roll
Points:
1 / 1
Close Explanation
Explanation:
“No one” is the correct antecedent. “Their” is the correct pronoun phrase in this sentence because it
refers to the indefinite pronoun antecedent . Use the gender-neutral pronoun in this each they
sentence because the gender of is not specified.no one
An auto mechanic works with customers to determine what is wrong with their his or her
cars.
Points:
1 / 1
What is the antecedent of the pronoun?
Cars
Auto mechanic
Customers
Points:
1 / 1
Close Explanation
Explanation:
"Auto mechanic" is the correct antecedent. "His or her" is the correct pronoun phrase in this sentence
because it refers to the antecedent . is not an indefinite pronoun, but auto mechanic Auto mechanic
the pronouns correctly refer to it because the gender of the is unknown.his or her auto mechanic
If someone likes a beach vacation, should visit Hawaii.he or she
Points:
1 / 1
What is the antecedent of the pronoun?
Hawaii
Vacation
Someone
Points:
1 / 1
Close Explanation
Explanation:
"Someone" is the correct antecedent. "They" is the correct pronoun phrase in this sentence because it
refers to the indefinite pronoun antecedent someone they. Use the gender-neutral pronouns in this
sentence because the gender of is not specified.someone
