Pronouns refer back to nouns. When used they take the place of the preceding noun. The writer must select the correct pronoun to make it clear to the reader which noun is being referred to. This is why we use the term pronoun referent, because it refers to a specific noun.
There are three fundamentals to correct pronoun reference:
When writing from the first person (I) don’t switch to the second person (you) or third person (he, she, it, they, etc.). The same holds true if writing in the second person or the third person; don’t switch to either of the others.
Example (The noun is underlined and the pronoun is in bold):
This one is tricky because, in our head, we know what we mean. Developing the ability to critically analyze how a person who has no prior understanding of a subject may hear what you are about to say is a critical, if often difficult, skill.
Consider:
Just as in the Singular/Plural agreements between nouns and verbs, described in the guide on Singluar Plural Rules, the pronoun must agree with the noun it refers to in singular or plural form. If the noun is singular, then the pronoun must be singular. If the noun is plural, then the pronoun must be plural.
Example (The noun is underlined and the pronoun is in bold):
At this point it is important for the student to be familiar with the rules concerning singular/plural agreement. If necessary, refer to the Singluar Plural Rules sheet to review.
Keep in mind that some words refer to a group or collection and yet are considered to be singular. Examples include:
| anybody | anyone | each | each one | |
| either | neither | everyone | nobody | |
| no one | somebody | someone |
Many writers instinctively avoid using his or her because they find it too wordy. The word they can often be substituted or the sentence can be turned around. For example: