Correct inappropriate shifts in pronoun number and person
Key Notes:
1️⃣ What is a Pronoun?
A pronoun is a word that replaces a noun.
Examples:
- I, me, we, us, he, she, it, they, them 🧑👩👦
2️⃣ Pronoun Number and Person
Number: Pronouns can be singular or plural.
- Singular: he, she, it, I, me 👤
- Plural: we, they, us 👥
Person: Pronouns are in first, second, or third person.
- First person: I, we 🗣️
- Second person: you 👈
- Third person: he, she, it, they 👀
3️⃣ What is a Shift in Pronoun? 🔄
A shift happens when a pronoun changes unexpectedly in number or person in a sentence.
Incorrect:
- If a student studies hard, you will pass the exam. ❌
Correct: - If a student studies hard, he or she will pass the exam. ✅
4️⃣ Common Types of Pronoun Shifts
a) Singular ↔ Plural Shift
- Incorrect: Everyone must bring their notebook. ❌
- Correct: Everyone must bring his or her notebook. ✅
b) Person Shift
- Incorrect: I was late because you missed the bus. ❌
- Correct: I was late because I missed the bus. ✅
c) Ambiguous Pronoun Reference
- Incorrect: When Jim spoke to Bob, he got nervous. ❌
- Correct: When Jim spoke to Bob, Bob got nervous. ✅
5️⃣ Tips to Avoid Pronoun Shifts 📝
🔹 Keep pronouns consistent in number
- Singular with singular, plural with plural
🔹 Keep pronouns consistent in person
- First person stays first person, etc.
🔹 Clarify who/what the pronoun refers to
- Avoid ambiguity
🔹 Use “he or she” for singular generic references instead of “they” (formal writing)
6️⃣ Examples for Practice 🏋️
| Sentence | Corrected Version |
|---|---|
| If someone wants to succeed, they must work hard. | If someone wants to succeed, he or she must work hard. ✅ |
| I love playing football, but you hate it. | I love playing football, but I hate it. ✅ |
| When Sarah met Tina, she smiled. | When Sarah met Tina, Sarah smiled. ✅ |
💡 Remember: A sentence with a pronoun shift can confuse your reader. Always check pronouns for number and person consistency.
Let’s practice!🖊️
