Pronoun Agreement Rules

Person

• "Person" refers to the point of view in which you are writing. Write in first person by using "I" and "we." When writing in second person, the author is writing directly to the reader and uses the pronoun "you." Third person is more formal and uses the pronouns "he," "she," and "it."

  The pronoun and antecedent must agree in all forms of person.

  Incorrect: If a person wishes to be a professional dancer, you have to take formal classes.
  Correct: If you wish to be a professional dancer, you have to take formal classes.

  Incorrect: After students learn a new concept, he should take an assessment
  Correct: After students learn a new concept, they should take an assessment.

Number

• Number refers to the whether or not the antecedent is singular or plural. A singular antecedent requires a singular pronoun, and a plural antecendent requires a plural one. The indefinite pronouns "anyone," "everyone," "anybody," "everybody" and "no one" are always singular.

  Incorrect: If anybody saw the accident, they need to come forth and make a statement.
  Correct: If anybody saw the accident, he or she needs to come forth and make a statement.

  Incorrect: When people judge one another, he is not being fair.
  Correct: When people judge one another, they are not being fair.

Gender

• Gender refers to the sex of the antecedent and can often be troublesome when using pronouns. If the antecedent is female, then "she" or "her" should be used. Likewise, if the antecedent is male, then "he" or "him" should be used. In the event that the sex of the antecedent is unknown, then "he or she" or "his or her" should be used.

  Incorrect: We do not know who hit the car, but he will be punished.
  Correct: We do not know who hit the car, but he or she will be punished.

  Incorrect: The winner of the spelling bee will receive his trophy in the mail next week.
  Correct: The winner of the spelling bee will receive his or her trophy in the mail next week.

Who and Whom

• The use of the pronouns "who" and "whom" often leave people bewildered. If the pronoun "he" can be substituted in the sentence, then use the pronoun "who." If the pronoun "him" can be substituted in the sentence, then use the pronoun "whom."

  Incorrect: Whom do you think stole my candy bar? (Him stole my candy bar.)
  Correct: Who do you think stole my candy bar? (He stole my candy bar.)

  Incorrect: Give the donation to whoever is at the desk. (Give the donation to he.)
  Correct: Give the donation to whomever is at the desk. (Give the donation to him.)