English Language Arts
Grade 7
15 min
Correct inappropriate shifts in pronoun number and person
Correct inappropriate shifts in pronoun number and person
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Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify pronouns and their antecedents in given sentences.
Define and differentiate between pronoun number (singular/plural) and person (first, second, third).
Recognize inappropriate shifts in pronoun number within sentences or short paragraphs.
Recognize inappropriate shifts in pronoun person within sentences or short paragraphs.
Apply strategies to correct pronoun shifts, ensuring consistent number and person.
Revise their own writing to eliminate confusing pronoun shifts.
Explain the importance of consistent pronoun usage for clear and effective communication.
Have you ever read something and felt confused about who or what the writer was talking about? 🤔 Sometimes, a small mistake with pronouns can make a big mess!
In this lesson, you'll le...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
PronounA word that takes the place of a noun or another pronoun.Instead of saying 'Sarah went to the store, and Sarah bought apples,' we say 'Sarah went to the store, and she bought apples.' ('She' replaces 'Sarah').
AntecedentThe noun or pronoun that a pronoun refers to or replaces.In 'The students finished their homework,' 'students' is the antecedent for the pronoun 'their'.
Pronoun NumberRefers to whether a pronoun is singular (referring to one) or plural (referring to more than one).Singular: I, he, she, it. Plural: we, they.
Pronoun PersonRefers to the perspective from which a pronoun is speaking (first person), being spoken to (second person), or being spoken about (third person).First Perso...
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Key Rules & Conventions
Rule of Consistent Number
A pronoun must agree in number (singular or plural) with its antecedent. Do not shift from singular to plural or vice-versa without a clear reason.
If your antecedent is singular, use a singular pronoun. If your antecedent is plural, use a plural pronoun. This ensures that the reader always knows if you're talking about one thing or many.
Rule of Consistent Person
Maintain a consistent point of view (first, second, or third person) throughout a sentence or paragraph. Do not shift person unnecessarily.
If you start a sentence or paragraph in the first person ('I' or 'we'), stick with it. If you're using the third person ('he,' 'she,' 'it,' 'they'), don't suddenly switch to the...
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Challenging
The original sentence is: "If anyone finds a lost wallet, they should turn it in to the office, where you can claim it." Which of the following revisions is BOTH grammatically consistent and the clearest for a reader?
A.If anyone finds a lost wallet, they should turn it in to the office, where one can claim it.
B.If you find a lost wallet, you should turn it in to the office, where the owner can claim it.
C.If anyone finds a lost wallet, he or she should turn it in to the office, where they can claim it.
D.The original sentence is the best and clearest option.
Challenging
Read the paragraph: "Our band worked hard to prepare for the concert. We practiced every day after school. During the performance, you could feel the energy from the crowd. A musician must ignore the pressure and trust their training." What are the two main types of inappropriate pronoun shifts in this paragraph?
A.shift from first person to third person, and a shift from plural to singular.
B.shift from past tense to present tense, and a shift from singular to plural.
C.shift from first person to second person, and a shift from singular to plural.
D.shift from third person to second person, and a shift from first person to third person.
Challenging
In the context of literary analysis, why is it critical for a writer to maintain a consistent pronoun person (e.g., third person) when discussing a novel's characters and plot?
A.To prove that the writer has read the entire book carefully.
B.Because shifting to 'I' or 'you' is against the law in academic writing.
C.To make the analysis sound more personal and relatable to the reader.
D.To maintain an objective, analytical tone and avoid confusing the writer's own opinions (I) or direct addresses to the reader (you) with the events of the story.
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