Unit 2: Grammar and Usage

Pronouns

A pronoun is a word used in place of a noun.

The third person singular pronoun has three forms: he which referes to a man, she which refers to a woman, and it which refers to an object. These pronouns are called, masculine, feminine, and neutral gender.

The word for which the pronoun is used is called the antecedent of that pronoun.

Examples : Robert, thought he had a good business.

The bikes were new, and they were in good condition.

Important : The second person pronoun, whether it is singular or plural, is always followed by the plural predicate form. Never, never say, “you is”, “you was”, or “you has.” The correct verbs are : “ you are,” “you were” and “you have.”

Here are three grammatical terms that are important to learn.

1. Number - there are two, singular and plural.

2. Gender - there are three, masculine, feminine, and neuter.

3. Person - there are three, first, second, and third.

Pronouns must agree with their antecedent in number, gemder, and person. If the antecedent is plural, the pronoun must be plural. If the antecedent is feminine, the pronoun must be feminine. And if the antecedent is in the third person, the third person pronoun must be used to refer to that antecedent. This fact in grammar is called agreement of pronoun with its antecedent. Remember, antecedents are pronouns which are used in place of a noun... Such as... the farmer, he... the girl, she... the plant, it... etc.

Important : When the gender of a singular antecedent is not known, alwasy use the masculine pronoun.

Example : Every student was given a new book, and he is responsible for that book at all times.

It is common error to use a plural pronoun when referring to a singular subject.

Incorrect : A person can’t get anywhere unless they try hard to succeed.

Correct : A person can’t get anywhere unless he tries hard to succeed

A person is singular, and a singular pronoun or antecedent is used.