2. The Rule
Two or more pronouns
Refer to the same noun
Same sentence
MUST be the same type of pronoun (1st, 2nd, or 3rd
person)
3. Remember…
First Person:
I, me, we, us, etc.
The narrator is involved in the story he/she is telling
Second Person:
You, your
The narrator is talking directly to you
Third Person:
He, she, it, them, their, etc.
The narrator is talking about someone or something
Narrator is not involved in the story
4. Keeping the Point of View Straight
I went to the store. 1st S
You went to the store. 2nd S
Johnny went to the store. 3rd S
I turned in my paper. 1st S
You turned in your paper. 2nd S
The students turned in their papers. 3rd P
5. Examples
If a student wants to get good grades, you must
complete your assignments on time.
3rd singular 2nd singular
If a student wants to get good grades, you must
complete your assignments on time.
2nd singular
If a students wants to get good grades, he or she
must complete his or her assignments on time.
6. Examples
If the computer doesn’t synchronize, they will not
shut down correctly.
3rd singular 3 rd plural
If the computer doesn’t synchronize, they will not
shut down correctly.
If the computer doesn’t synchronize, it will not shut
down correctly.
7. Examples
A typical shopper doesn’t like it when we are
constantly interrupted by the salesperson.
3rd singular 1st plural
A typical shopper doesn’t like it when we are
constantly interrupted by the salesperson.
A typical shopper doesn’t like it when he or she is
constantly interrupted by the salesperson.
8. Practice
Hitler marched into Poland with their new and
improved armies.
The students at St. Phils soon learned that you had to
watch out for Mr. Buckwalter.
Athletes join track if you want to keep in shape
during the spring.
9. Answers
Hitler marched into Poland with his new and
improved armies.
The students at St. Phils soon learned that they had
to watch out for Mr. Buckwalter.
Athletes join track if they want to keep in shape
during the spring.
