As a copy editor, one of the most common errors I come across in writing is noun-pronoun agreement. It`s a simple concept, yet it can be tricky to get right. Noun-pronoun agreement refers to the correct use of pronouns to match the nouns they are replacing. In other words, if the noun is singular, the pronoun that replaces it must also be singular. The same goes for plurals.
Let`s take a look at some noun-pronoun agreement examples with answers:
Example 1: The boy forgot his book.
In this sentence, “the boy” is singular, so the pronoun that replaces it must also be singular. “His” is the correct pronoun in this case.
Example 2: The children ate their lunch.
In this sentence, “the children” is plural, so the pronoun that replaces it must also be plural. “Their” is the correct pronoun in this case.
Example 3: The company announced its new product.
In this sentence, “the company” is singular, so the pronoun that replaces it must also be singular. “Its” is the correct pronoun in this case.
Example 4: The students handed in their homework.
In this sentence, “the students” is plural, so the pronoun that replaces it must also be plural. “Their” is the correct pronoun in this case.
Example 5: The cat licked its paw.
In this sentence, “the cat” is singular, so the pronoun that replaces it must also be singular. “Its” is the correct pronoun in this case.
Example 6: The dogs barked at their owner.
In this sentence, “the dogs” is plural, so the pronoun that replaces it must also be plural. “Their” is the correct pronoun in this case.
By paying attention to the number of nouns in your sentences and using the correct pronouns, you can improve the clarity and effectiveness of your writing. Remember, when it comes to noun-pronoun agreement, it`s all about matching singular with singular and plural with plural.
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