H-12

Make sure that a pronoun and its antecedent agree in number, in person, and in gender. In the following examples, the arrows connect the pronouns to their antecedents.

The form of the antecedent and the form of the pronoun must correspond so that a reader is not troubled by inconsistencies or confused about how many, who, or which gender you mean.

G2-a Use pronouns and antecedents that agree in number.

If the antecedent of a pronoun is singular, the pronoun must be singular so that both agree in number. Likewise, if the antecedent is plural, the pronoun must be plural.

When the pronoun and its antecedent do not agree, change one so that both are singular or plural, or rewrite the sentence to eliminate the inconsistency. (See also E2-b.)

Change either the pronoun or its antecedent so that both are singular or plural.

Note: As an alternative, you may be able to eliminate the pronoun.

Revise the sentence to eliminate the inconsistency.

Use a singular pronoun to refer to a singular indefinite pronoun, or reword the sentence.

Consider the level of formality of your writing. Friends in a casual conversation may not mind if an indefinite pronoun and its antecedent do not agree, but such errors are not acceptable in formal writing.

Use a singular pronoun if the antecedent is a collective noun.

Exception: A collective noun may sometimes be considered plural if it refers to the group members as individuals: The couple decided it was time to consolidate their bank accounts. (See also G6-b.)

G2-b Use masculine, feminine, or gender-free forms to match a pronoun with its antecedent.

Match a masculine pronoun with a masculine antecedent and a feminine pronoun with a feminine antecedent so that the pronoun and its antecedent agree in gender.

If an antecedent might be either masculine or feminine, avoid using a pronoun that stereotypes by gender. (See also W3-c.)

Match a plural antecedent with a plural pronoun to include both sexes.

Use a phrase that includes both masculine and feminine singular pronouns (such as his or her) to refer to both sexes.

Note: If repeating a phrase such as his or her seems cumbersome or repetitious, try using plural forms or eliminating the pronouns altogether, as the following strategy suggests.

H-14

Eliminate unneeded or awkward pairs of masculine and feminine pronouns.

Note: Avoid using he/she in all but the most informal writing situations.