Pronoun-antecedent disagreement error is a common grammatical mistake that occurs when the pronoun used in a sentence does not agree with the antecedent, which is the noun that the pronoun replaces. This mistake can lead to confusion and ambiguity in writing, and it is important for copy editors to be aware of it in order to produce clear, accurate content.
Examples of this error include:
– Mary and her friend went to the store. She bought a new dress.
The pronoun “she” does not agree with the antecedent “Mary and her friend.” It should be changed to “they.”
– Each of the students brought their own lunch.
The singular noun “each” should be paired with a singular pronoun, such as “his or her.”
– The team celebrated their victory with a party.
The singular noun “team” should be paired with a singular pronoun, such as “its.”
To avoid pronoun-antecedent disagreement error, it is important to identify the antecedent clearly and choose a pronoun that agrees with it in both number and gender. In cases where the antecedent is ambiguous or unclear, it may be necessary to rephrase the sentence in order to clarify the meaning.
There are also some common types of antecedents that can lead to pronoun-antecedent disagreement error:
– Collective nouns: these are nouns that refer to a group of people or things, such as “team,” “family,” or “staff.” When using a collective noun, it is important to consider whether the group is acting as a single entity or as individuals. For example, “The team won its game” is correct because the team is acting as a single entity, while “The family brought their pets” is incorrect because the family is acting as individuals.
– Indefinite pronouns: these are pronouns that do not refer to a specific noun, such as “everyone,” “anyone,” or “someone.” When using an indefinite pronoun, it is important to consider the gender and number of the noun it is replacing. For example, “Everyone should bring their own lunch” is incorrect because “everyone” is singular and should be paired with a singular pronoun.
Pronoun-antecedent disagreement error can be a subtle but significant mistake in writing, and it is important for copy editors to be vigilant in identifying and correcting it. By understanding the rules of agreement and carefully considering the antecedent in each sentence, copy editors can help ensure clear, effective communication in all types of content.
