How would you revise a sentence to fix a pronoun-antecedent error in writing?

How would you revise a sentence to fix a pronoun-antecedent error in writing?

• A. Ensure the pronoun agrees with multiple antecedents
• B. Change the antecedent to match the pronoun
• C. Ensure the pronoun clearly refers to a single antecedent and matches in number and gender
• D. Remove the pronoun altogether

Answer: (C)

The issue being tested is making sure a pronoun points to a single, clearly defined noun and matches that noun in number and gender. In English, pronouns are substitutes for specific nouns, so if more than one noun could be the reference or if the pronoun’s form doesn’t align with the noun, readers can be left guessing about who or what is being talked about. To fix this, first identify the noun the pronoun is meant to replace. If there are multiple possible antecedents, rewrite the sentence so only one noun remains as the clear reference, or restructure the sentence so the antecedent is explicitly stated. Then ensure the pronoun’s form agrees with that noun: singular nouns take singular pronouns, plural nouns take plural pronouns, and the pronoun’s gender should match the antecedent unless a gender-neutral form is appropriate. If gender is unknown or there are mixed genders, using a neutral option like they can often be the clearest choice. This approach directly resolves the problem by making the reference unambiguous and by keeping agreement in number and gender, which is why it’s the best way to revise a sentence with a pronoun-antecedent error.

The issue being tested is making sure a pronoun points to a single, clearly defined noun and matches that noun in number and gender. In English, pronouns are substitutes for specific nouns, so if more than one noun could be the reference or if the pronoun’s form doesn’t align with the noun, readers can be left guessing about who or what is being talked about.

To fix this, first identify the noun the pronoun is meant to replace. If there are multiple possible antecedents, rewrite the sentence so only one noun remains as the clear reference, or restructure the sentence so the antecedent is explicitly stated. Then ensure the pronoun’s form agrees with that noun: singular nouns take singular pronouns, plural nouns take plural pronouns, and the pronoun’s gender should match the antecedent unless a gender-neutral form is appropriate. If gender is unknown or there are mixed genders, using a neutral option like they can often be the clearest choice.

This approach directly resolves the problem by making the reference unambiguous and by keeping agreement in number and gender, which is why it’s the best way to revise a sentence with a pronoun-antecedent error.