
For example, below, “it” would be unclear, as it could refer to either the interview or the test. If there is any ambiguity, use the noun instead. When you use any type of pronoun, it’s important to ensure that the antecedent is clear and unambiguous. Examples: Pronouns and antecedents Annie was late to class again because she missed the bus.Īs they debated the point, the students became increasingly animated. Pronoun-antecedent agreement means ensuring that the pronoun you use matches its antecedent in number, person, and gender. The antecedent may also be something the person you’re speaking to said. It’s usually mentioned in the text before the pronoun, but sometimes it comes just after it in a sentence. The antecedent of a pronoun is the noun that it refers back to.

Despite the name, noun phrases can just as well consist of pronouns as of nouns.įor example, the sentence “You and I saw someone else” contains two noun phrases, both headed by pronouns: “you and I” and “someone else.” Pronoun antecedents

Because of this, they are used in sentences in similar ways to nouns.

The main function of pronouns is to replace nouns.
