English Grammar: Agreement of Pronouns

Agreement — Gender of Indefinite Pronouns

Indefinite pronouns present a problem in gender. These pronouns often refer to both sexes, masculine and feminine. When we say, Everybody went to the game, the indefinite pronoun everybody includes individuals of both genders, masculine and feminine.

The problem arises when the indefinite pronoun is the antecedent of another pronoun. In that case, the accepted practice is to use the masculine gender for the pronoun that is used in place of the indefinite pronoun.

In the sentence, Everyone received his income tax form, the indefinite pronoun everyone is the antecedent of the pronoun his. It is the word to which the pronoun his refers. Although everyone includes persons of both genders, the masculine pronoun his is used instead of saying his or her income tax form.

If the sentence shows clearly that the indefinite pronoun refers to members of only one sex, the pronoun that refers to that sex should be used.

Everyone attending the meeting of the Women's Athletic Club presented her membership card.

In this sentence the members are women, and the pronoun her is used correctly. In cases where it is not clear whether the antecedent is masculine or feminine, use the pronoun his.

Anyone may have his money refunded.

Somebody left his pen on my desk.

Indefinite pronouns also present a problem in number. Some of them are always singular. Some are always plural, and some may be either singular or plural.

Pronouns That Are Always Singular

The following pronouns are always singular. A pronoun that is used in place of one of these indefinite pronouns must also be singular.

Study the following illustrations carefully. These sentences show the proper agreement between pronoun and antecedent when the antecedent is singular.

Neither of the men had his tools. (not their)

If anyone wants a pen, he can obtain one here. (not they)

One likes to do what he can do well. (not they)

Someone left his coat in his locker. (not their)

Pronouns That Are Always Plural

The following pronouns are always plural. A pronoun that is used in place of one of them must also be plural.

Notice that many a one is included in the list of pronouns that are always singular, whereas many is included in this plural list. When singular expressions, such as a man, a one, a person, etc. are added to many, the pronoun is singular, not plural.

Several found their cars unlocked. (Several — plural)

Only a few would sacrifice their savings. (few — plural)

Many brought their lunches with them. (Many — plural)

Others found their friends in the balcony. (Others — plural)

Pronouns That Are Singular or Plural

The pronouns all, any, some, and none are singular or plural according to the meaning of the sentence. When these pronouns refer to number, they are generally regarded as plural. When they refer to quantity or to a mass, they are regarded as singular.

The pronoun none is singular when it clearly means no one, or not one. It is often difficult to determine the number of this pronoun since there are sentences in which it carries a plural idea. If you want to express the singular idea use no one, or not one.

Some found their children in the park. (Some is plural.)

Some of the candy has lost its flavor. (Some is singular.)

All were waiting for their salary checks. (All is plural.)

There is no candy in the box. All of it has been eaten. (All is singular.)

Did any of the men have their membership cards? (Any is plural.)

None have arrived. (None — plural in use)

None of these is a typical example. (None — singular in use)