1. What is an Inappropriate Pronoun Shift?
   An inappropriate pronoun shift occurs when a pronoun does not match the antecedent in number (singular/plural) or person (first, second, or third person) within a sentence or passage. This can lead to confusion and inconsistency in writing.

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2. Pronoun Number Agreement
   Pronouns must agree with their antecedents in number—whether the antecedent is singular or plural.

• Singular antecedents require singular pronouns.
• Example:
  • Incorrect: A student should do their best on the exam.
  • Correct: A student should do his or her best on the exam.
    (Here, ‘student’ is singular, so the pronoun must also be singular.)
• Plural antecedents require plural pronouns.
• Example:
  • Incorrect: The students should do his or her best on the exam.
  • Correct: The students should do their best on the exam.
    (Here, ‘students’ is plural, so the pronoun ‘their’ must also be plural.)

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3. Pronoun Person Agreement
   Pronouns must also agree with their antecedents in person (first, second, or third person). Shifting between different persons can create confusion for the reader.

• First Person (I, we): Refers to the speaker.
• Example: I am studying for my test.
• Second Person (you): Refers to the reader or listener.
• Example: You should do your homework.
• Third Person (he, she, it, they): Refers to someone or something else.
• Example: She forgot her notebook.

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4. Avoiding Shifts in Pronoun Person
   Avoid switching between first, second, and third person within the same sentence or paragraph unless the shift is intentional.

• Example of Inappropriate Shift:
• Incorrect: If one wants to succeed, you need to study hard.
  (The sentence shifts from third person ‘one’ to second person ‘you’.)
• Correct: If one wants to succeed, one needs to study hard.
  (Maintains consistent third-person pronouns.)
• Example of Inappropriate Shift:
• Incorrect: When we go to the store, you should make a list.
  (Shifts from first person ‘we’ to second person ‘you’.)
• Correct: When we go to the store, we should make a list.
  (Maintains consistent first-person pronouns.)

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5. Correcting Inappropriate Shifts in Number and Person
   Here’s how to correct inappropriate shifts:

• Identify the antecedent: Determine whether the antecedent is singular or plural and which person (first, second, or third) is being used.
• Ensure pronoun consistency: The pronouns in the sentence must match the antecedent in both number and person.
• Example of Corrected Shift in Number:
• Incorrect: When a person comes late, they disrupt the class.
  (‘Person’ is singular, but ‘they’ is plural.)
• Correct: When a person comes late, he or she disrupts the class.
  (Maintains singular pronoun agreement.)
• Example of Corrected Shift in Person:
• Incorrect: If you want to pass the exam, one should study every day.
  (Shifts from second person ‘you’ to third person ‘one’.)
• Correct: If you want to pass the exam, you should study every day.
  (Maintains second-person consistency.)

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6. Consistency in Lists and Series
   When listing actions or descriptions, maintain the same pronoun throughout.

• Example of Inconsistent Pronoun Usage:
• Incorrect: When students complete your work, you should review their notes.
  (Shifts from second person ‘your’ to third person ‘their’.)
• Correct: When students complete their work, they should review their notes.
  (Maintains consistent third-person pronouns.)

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7. Common Mistakes in Shifting Number and Person

• Switching between singular and plural pronouns:
• Incorrect: A teacher should always encourage their students.
• Correct: A teacher should always encourage his or her students.
• Switching between first, second, and third person:
• Incorrect: I am happy when you work hard.
• Correct: I am happy when I work hard. (First person)
• Correct: You are happy when you work hard. (Second person)

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