The English Corner at Richland College
Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement
An antecedent is the words to which a pronoun refers. Antecedents must agree with their noun
referent in number and gender. However, noun/pronoun agreement can be hard to determine in
the following situations:
Indefinite Pronouns
Indefinite pronouns are nouns that do not refer to a particular person or thing. When an indefinite
pronoun acts as an antecedent, it refers to a pronoun later in the sentence. Both the indefinite
antecedent and pronoun must match in number and gender. Common singular indefinite
pronouns are the following: anybody, anyone, anything, each, everyone, everything, much,
neither, none, no one, nothing, someone, something
Example: Everyone who likes chocolate ice cream has his or her favorite topping.
Common plural indefinite pronouns are the following: both, few, many, several.
Example: Many who like chocolate ice cream have their favorite toppings.
Some indefinite pronouns can be plural or singular, depending on whether they refer to a singular
or plural word. There are several indefinite pronouns that can be either plural or singular: all,
any, more, most, some, none, half.
Plural: All people who like chocolate ice cream have their favorite toppings.
Singular: All she needs is her pen.
A Non-Specified Person
When a non-specified person acts as an antecedent, use “he or she” and not “they” to refer to the
generic person. If “he or she” sounds awkward, make the noun plural instead.
Incorrect: If a student needs help with writing, then they can ask the professor.
Revised: If a student needs help with writing, then he or she can ask the professor.
Revised: If students need help with writing, then they can ask the professor.
Collective Nouns
When a collective noun, which is a singular word used to define a group, acts like an antecedent,
you must use a singular pronoun. Common collective nouns include the following: jury, team,
school, office, army, crowd, audience, organization, group, family. Use “it” not “they” to refer to
a collective noun because it is singular.
Incorrect: The pet store bought more puppies than they could manage.
Correct: The pet store bought more puppies than it could manage.
Handout created by Justine White & Jamie Wheeler
www.richlandcollege.edu/englishcorner