English Language Arts
Grade 7
15 min
Use the pronoun that agrees with the antecedent
Use the pronoun that agrees with the antecedent
What you'll learn
- Identify the antecedent in 8 out of 10 sentences containing pronouns.
- Select the correct pronoun that agrees in number and gender with its antecedent in 4 out of 5 multiple-choice questions.
- Rewrite 3 out of 4 sentences to correct errors in pronoun-antecedent agreement, explaining the reason for each correction.
- Compose a short paragraph of at least 5 sentences using pronouns that demonstrate correct pronoun-antecedent agreement with at least 90% accuracy.
Tutorial Preview
1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify antecedents and their corresponding pronouns in sentences.
Define pronoun-antecedent agreement and explain its importance for clarity.
Apply rules for number (singular/plural) and gender agreement between pronouns and antecedents.
Correctly use pronouns with indefinite pronouns and compound antecedents.
Revise sentences to correct errors in pronoun-antecedent agreement.
Explain the rationale behind their pronoun choices to ensure grammatical correctness.
Ever read a sentence and felt confused about who or what was being talked about? 🤔 Clear communication depends on pronouns making sense!
In this lesson, you'll learn how to make sure your pronouns always match the nouns they refer to, called antecedents. This skill is crucial for writing c...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
PronounA word that replaces a noun or another pronoun to avoid repetition.Instead of 'Maria loves Maria's dog,' we say 'Maria loves *her* dog.' (*her* is the pronoun).
AntecedentThe noun or pronoun that a pronoun refers to or replaces. It usually comes before the pronoun.When *Sarah* finished the book, *she* returned it to the library. (*Sarah* is the antecedent for *she*).
AgreementThe grammatical rule that requires a pronoun to match its antecedent in number (singular/plural) and gender (masculine/feminine/neuter).The *students* completed *their* project. (Plural antecedent *students* agrees with plural pronoun *their*).
Number (Grammar)Refers to whether a word is singular (referring to one) or plural (referring to more than one).Singular:...
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Key Rules & Conventions
Rule 1: Agreement in Number
A pronoun must agree in number with its antecedent. If the antecedent is singular, the pronoun must be singular. If the antecedent is plural, the pronoun must be plural.
This is the most fundamental rule. Always check if your pronoun refers to one thing/person or many. For example, 'The *dog* wagged *its* tail' (singular) vs. 'The *dogs* wagged *their* tails' (plural).
Rule 2: Agreement in Gender
A pronoun must agree in gender with its antecedent. Use masculine pronouns for masculine antecedents, feminine pronouns for feminine antecedents, and neuter pronouns for neuter antecedents.
This rule applies when the gender of the antecedent is known. For example, 'When *Mr. Jones* arrived, *he* greeted us.' If the gender is...
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Challenging
Each of the contestants, hoping to win the grand prize, must submit ______ final entry by noon.
A.his or her
B.their
C.its
D.they're
Challenging
One of the girls on the basketball team left ______ jacket in the gym.
A.their
B.its
C.her
D.them
Challenging
Which sentence correctly applies the rule for pronoun-antecedent agreement with compound antecedents joined by 'or' or 'nor'?
A.Neither the dogs nor the cat finished their food.
B.Either the teacher or the students left their books on the desk.
C.Neither the manager nor the employees received his or her bonus.
D.Either the parents or the child will need to give his permission.
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Frequently asked questions
What grade level is "Use the pronoun that agrees with the antecedent"?
Use the pronoun that agrees with the antecedent is a Grade 7 English Language Arts lesson on ExcelOS.
What will I learn in Use the pronoun that agrees with the antecedent?
You'll be able to: Identify the antecedent in 8 out of 10 sentences containing pronouns; Select the correct pronoun that agrees in number and gender with its antecedent in 4 out of 5 multiple-choice questions; Rewrite 3 out of 4 sentences to….
Is "Use the pronoun that agrees with the antecedent" free to practice?
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How many practice questions are included with Use the pronoun that agrees with the antecedent?
This lesson includes 25 practice questions across multiple difficulty levels, each with instant feedback and explanations.