Correct inappropriate shifts in pronoun number and person

Learning Objectives Define pronoun number, pronoun person, and inappropriate shift. Identify the antecedent for each pronoun in a sentence. Locate inappropriate shifts in pronoun number within a text. Locate inappropriate shifts in pronoun person within a text. Revise sentences to correct inappropriate pronoun shifts, ensuring clarity and consistency. Apply pronoun consistency rules to their own analytical and argumentative writing. Have you ever read a sentence that felt confusing, like the author suddenly started talking to you directly in the middle of a story? 🤔 That jarring feeling is often caused by a pronoun shift! This tutorial will teach you how to spot and fix two common writing errors: inappropriate shifts in pronoun number and person. Mastering this skill will...

TermDefinitionExample PronounA word that takes the place of a noun or noun phrase.In 'Maria loves her dog,' the word 'her' is a pronoun that replaces 'Maria's'. AntecedentThe noun or noun phrase that a pronoun refers to or replaces.In 'The student finished their project,' the word 'student' is the antecedent for the pronoun 'their'. Pronoun NumberIndicates whether a pronoun is singular (referring to one) or plural (referring to more than one).Singular: he, she, it, my, her. Plural: they, we, our, their. Pronoun PersonIndicates the point of view: first person (the speaker), second person (the one spoken to), or third person (the one spoken about).First Person: I, we. Second Person: you. Third Person: he, she, it, they. Inappr...

The Rule of Consistent Number A pronoun must agree in number (singular or plural) with its antecedent. If the antecedent is a single person, place, or thing, use a singular pronoun. If the antecedent is multiple things, use a plural pronoun. Be especially careful with indefinite pronouns like 'each,' 'everyone,' and 'anybody,' which are singular. The Rule of Consistent Person Pronouns should remain in the same person (first, second, or third) throughout a sentence or piece of formal writing. Avoid switching from the third-person perspective (he, she, they, a student) to the second-person (you) or first-person (I, we) unless there is a clear rhetorical purpose. In academic writing, the third person is most common.