2. Lesson 7: Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement
The antecedent is the noun OR pronoun that a pronoun replaces or
refers to. The antecedent can be in the same sentences or a
different sentence from the pronoun.
Maria shared her favorite book, The Friends.
The story is set in Harlem. It tells about young girls growing
up.
*Pronouns must agree with their antecedents in number, person, and
gender.
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3. Agreement in Number
Use a singular pronoun to refer to a singular antecedent.
At first Jane doesn't like her new classmate.
Use a plural pronoun to refer to a plural antecedent.
Later the girls shared their dreams together.
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4. Agreement in Person
The person of a pronoun must be the same as the person of the
antecedent.
The author is Rosa Guy. She was born in Trinidad.
Do you write stories about your life?
*Avoid switching from one person to another in the same sentence or
paragraph*
Incorrect: Students like strong plots. We want to know what happens.
Correct: Students like strong plots. They want to know what happens.
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5. Agreement in Gender
The gender of a pronoun must be the same as the gender of its
antecedent.
Personal pronouns have three gender forms:
-Masculine (he, his, him)
-Feminine (she, her, hers)
-Neutral (it, its)
Anne is mad because she lost her book.
Jim gave his extra copy to Anne.
*Don't use only masculine or feminine pronouns when you refer to
BOTH genders.
Every student has his own opinion. (The student could be
either male or female.)
*Instead use his or her or their.
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6. 1. This story is by Lois Lowry. It is set in Denmark during WWII.
2. Annemarie Johansen and her best friend Ellen Rosen live happily,
until the Nazis come.
3. Then the girls are scared ad their lives turn upside down.
4. Ellen is in special danger because her family is Jewish.
5. The Nazis have targeted all Jews as their enemies.
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7. 6. Annemarie's parents hide Ellen in their home.
7. The Johansen's know that they must also try to protect Ellen's
family.
8. Uncle Henrik uses his boat to carry some Jews to safety.
9. When Annemarie is asked to go on this dangerous rise, she agrees.
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