Pronoun Antecedent
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Identifying the Pronoun Antecedent
Antecedent means that which comes before: it represents the word for which a pronoun stands or to which it refers back.
The antecedent of a pronounOpens in new window is basically a nounOpens in new window or another pronoun.
In Example 1 below, his refers to Andrew. Andrew is the antecedent of the pronoun his.
- Andrew washed his shoes.
- Gretchen and her parent were working out in their gym.
- Being a woman in a male-dominated profession has its advantages and disadvantages.
The construction in Example II contains two pronouns and two antecedents.
The pronoun her refers to Gretchen, so Gretchen is the antecedent of her. Their refers to Gretchen and her parent. Gretchen and her parent is the antecedent of the pronoun their.
In 3), its refers to the phrase being a woman in a male-dominated profession. The entire phrase is the antecedent.
Basic Rules for Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement
A pronoun must agree with its antecedent in numberOpens in new window (singular or plural), person (first, second, or third) and genderOpens in new window (masculine, feminine, or neuter).