This document outlines rules for pronoun-antecedent agreement in English. It states that a pronoun must agree with its antecedent in both number and gender. It provides examples of singular and plural antecedents and the correct pronoun to use in each case. It also discusses special cases involving collective nouns, indefinite pronouns, and compound antecedents joined by and, or, or nor. The document aims to clearly define the rules around pronoun usage and agreement with antecedents in the English language.

1. Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement

3. Rules
A pronoun must agree with its antecedent in
both number and gender.
Ex. The Taylors landscaped their yard in an
unusual way.
Ex. Kim regained her confidence after the
test.
Ex. The cheetah licked its chops.

4. Examples
The doctor makes his or her rounds every
day.
Doctors make their rounds every day.

5. Collective Nouns
When the antecedent of a pronoun is a
collective noun, the number of the pronoun
depends upon whether the collective noun is
used as singular or plural.
Ex. The class had its first meeting
yesterday. ( Class is used as a single unit;
therefore, the singular pronoun is used.)

6. Agreement in person
Incorrect: Henry lives in Tampa where you
can sunbathe all year long.
Correct: Henry lives in Tampa where he can
sunbathe all year long.
Incorrect: They like camping because you
can be close to nature.
Correct: They like camping because they
can be close to nature.

7. Agreement with Indefinite
Pronouns Antecedents
When a pronoun’s antecedent is an
indefinite pronoun, the pronoun must agree
in number with it.
Ex. Neither of the girls spent her entire
allowance.
Ex. Several members missed their chance to
speak with the president.

8. Agreement with Indefinite
Pronoun Antecedents
When no gender is specified use both a
masculine and feminine pronoun.
Ex. Each of the students should prepare his
or her own homework.

9. Rules
Use a singular pronoun to refer to each,
either, neither, one, everyone, everybody, no
one, nobody, anyone, anybody, someone, or
somebody.
Ex. Each of the teams had its mascot at the
game.
Ex. One of the boys left his pen behind.

10. Rules
The following indefinite pronouns are
plural: both, few, many, and several
Examples:
Many of the actors already know their lines.
Both of the candidates clearly stated their
positions on the issue.

11. Rules
The indefinite pronouns all, any, more,
most, none, and some may be singular or
plural depending on how they are used in a
sentence.
Most of these coins are rare, but I don’t
know what they are worth.

12. Rules
 Use a singular pronoun to refer to two or more
singular antecedents joined by or or nor.
 Ex. Neither Heidi nor Beth took her umbrella with
her.
 Use a plural pronoun to refer to two or more
antecedents joined by and.
 Ex. The guide and the ranger wrapped their rain
ponchos in their saddle rolls.