Use plural pronouns with plural nouns

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 115 views

Mastering Pronoun Agreement and Avoiding Gender-Biased Language in English

Understanding Pronoun Agreement

Pronoun agreement is a fundamental aspect of English grammar that ensures consistency and clarity in written and spoken communication. It involves matching the pronoun with the noun it replaces, taking into account factors such as number, person, and gender. In this article, we will delve into the world of pronoun agreement and explore how to identify the correct sentence that avoids gender-biased language.

The Importance of Pronoun Agreement

Pronoun agreement is crucial in English because it helps to convey meaning accurately and avoid confusion. When pronouns are used correctly, they enable the reader or listener to understand the intended message without any ambiguity. On the other hand, incorrect pronoun agreement can lead to misunderstandings, misinterpretations, and even offense.

Identifying Correct Pronoun Agreement

To identify the correct pronoun agreement, we need to consider the following factors:

Number: Singular or plural nouns require singular or plural pronouns, respectively.
Person: First-person pronouns (I, me, my) refer to the speaker, while second-person pronouns (you, your) refer to the listener. Third-person pronouns (he, she, it, they) refer to someone or something else.
Gender: While English has traditionally used masculine pronouns (he, him, his) as the default, it is essential to use gender-neutral language to avoid bias and promote inclusivity.

Analyzing the Options

Let's analyze the three options provided:

A. Everyone was supposed to submit her application in July.

This sentence uses the singular pronoun "her" to refer to the group "everyone." However, "everyone" is a plural noun, making "her" an incorrect choice.
This sentence also uses a feminine pronoun, which may be perceived as biased.

B. Everyone was supposed to submit their application in July.

This sentence uses the plural pronoun "their" to refer to the plural noun "everyone."
This sentence is grammatically correct and avoids gender-biased language.

C. Everyone was supposed to submit his application in July.

This sentence uses the singular pronoun "his" to refer to the plural noun "everyone." This is incorrect because "everyone" is a plural noun.
This sentence also uses a masculine pronoun, which may be perceived as biased.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the correct sentence that has correct pronoun agreement and avoids gender-biased language is:

B. Everyone was supposed to submit their application in July.

This sentence uses the plural pronoun "their" to refer to the plural noun "everyone," making it grammatically correct and inclusive.

Tips for Mastering Pronoun Agreement

To master pronoun agreement and avoid gender-biased language, follow these tips:

Use plural pronouns with plural nouns: When referring to a group of people or things, use plural pronouns like "they," "them," or "their."
Use gender-neutral language: Avoid using masculine pronouns as the default and opt for gender-neutral language instead.
Be mindful of context: Consider the context in which you are using pronouns to ensure that they are accurate and inclusive.

By following these tips and understanding the importance of pronoun agreement, you can become a more effective and inclusive communicator in English.
Mastering Pronoun Agreement and Avoiding Gender-Biased Language in English: A Q&A Guide

Understanding Pronoun Agreement and Gender-Biased Language

In our previous article, we explored the importance of pronoun agreement and how to identify the correct sentence that avoids gender-biased language. In this article, we will delve into a Q&A guide to help you master pronoun agreement and promote inclusive language.

Q: What is pronoun agreement?

A: Pronoun agreement is the process of matching the pronoun with the noun it replaces, taking into account factors such as number, person, and gender.

Q: Why is pronoun agreement important?

A: Pronoun agreement is crucial in English because it helps to convey meaning accurately and avoid confusion. When pronouns are used correctly, they enable the reader or listener to understand the intended message without any ambiguity.

Q: What are the different types of pronouns?

A: There are three main types of pronouns:

Personal pronouns: I, you, he, she, it, we, they
Possessive pronouns: my, your, his, her, its, our, their
Reflexive pronouns: myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, themselves

Q: How do I choose the correct pronoun?

A: To choose the correct pronoun, consider the following factors:

Number: Singular or plural nouns require singular or plural pronouns, respectively.
Person: First-person pronouns (I, me, my) refer to the speaker, while second-person pronouns (you, your) refer to the listener. Third-person pronouns (he, she, it, they) refer to someone or something else.
Gender: While English has traditionally used masculine pronouns (he, him, his) as the default, it is essential to use gender-neutral language to avoid bias and promote inclusivity.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid include:

Using singular pronouns with plural nouns: For example, "Everyone was supposed to submit his application in July" is incorrect because "everyone" is a plural noun.
Using masculine pronouns as the default: For example, "The student was supposed to submit his paper" is incorrect because it assumes the student is male.
Using pronouns that do not match the context: For example, "The teacher gave the student their homework" is incorrect because the teacher is giving the homework to the student, not the other way around.

Q: How can I promote inclusive language?

A: To promote inclusive language, follow these tips:

Use gender-neutral language: Avoid using masculine pronouns as the default and opt for gender-neutral language instead.
Use plural pronouns with plural nouns: When referring to a group of people or things, use plural pronouns like "they," "them," or "their."
Be mindful of context: Consider the context in which you are using pronouns to ensure that they are accurate and inclusive.

Q: What are some resources for learning more about pronoun agreement and inclusive language?

A: Some resources for learning more about pronoun agreement and inclusive language include:

Grammar guides: Websites like Grammarly and Purdue OWL offer comprehensive guides to grammar and pronoun agreement.
Style guides: Style guides like the Chicago Manual of Style and the AP Stylebook provide guidance on inclusive language and pronoun agreement.
Online courses: Online courses and tutorials can help you learn more about pronoun agreement and inclusive language.

Conclusion

Mastering pronoun agreement and promoting inclusive language is essential for effective communication in English. By following the tips and guidelines outlined in this article, you can become a more confident and inclusive communicator. Remember to use plural pronouns with plural nouns, use gender-neutral language, and be mindful of context to promote inclusive language.