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A pronoun is a word that replaces or refers back to a noun in a sentence. For the pronoun to function correctly, it must agree with its noun in number—meaning singular nouns require singular pronouns, and plural nouns require plural pronouns.
When writing a sentence, using the same word repeatedly can make your writing feel repetitive. Using pronouns correctly helps solve this problem by replacing nouns smoothly and clearly.
Incorrect Example: Francine edited her paper because her paper was full of errors.
Instead of repeating "paper" in the same sentence, we can use a pronoun to enhance conciseness and flow.
Correct Example: Francine edited her paper because it was full of errors.
Remember to find the subject of the sentence to determine if the pronoun should be singular or plural. Even when sentences become more complex, the same rule applies; identify the main subject first, then match your pronoun to it.
When the subject of a sentence is singular, the pronoun must also be singular.
Each student must find his or her own note-taking strategy.
Neither Bob nor Alex believed he would receive the award.
A community group of teachers is meeting tonight to see if it can find a way to help students improve their SAT scores.
When the subject of the sentence is plural, the pronoun must also be plural.
When a supervisor and an employee disagree, they should discuss the situation.
The professor hoped that the students had reviewed their notes carefully.
Both Smith (2016) and Taylor (2017) believed their results would lead to social change.
APA encourages writers to use "they" as a singular or plural pronoun with the specific intention of embracing gender diversity. When writing about a person or group of people who prefer the singular "they," you should also use the singular "they." Where relevant, we recommend you explicitly explain that you’re using the singular "they" to follow the self-identifications of the people you’re discussing.
A teacher should carefully choose professional development opportunities that address her gaps in knowledge.
Teachers should carefully choose professional development opportunities that address their gaps in knowledge.
By making both the subject and the pronoun plural, this is now an inclusive statement that applies to teachers of all genders.
Walden University is an inclusive institution that serves a diverse population of students. Committed to broadening the university’s understanding of inclusivity and diversity, Walden accepts gender-neutral pronouns in student writing. This practice acknowledges APA’s endorsement of the singular "they" and embraces alternative pronouns currently in circulation. For example, the nominative pronouns xe, ve, ze/zir, ey, and zhe. Walden recognizes that the discussion around gender identity is ongoing. As such, the university will accept any pronoun in student writing so long as evidence can be provided that it is accepted as a respectful term by the community it represents.
Although pronouns are useful to help you avoid repetition, they should be used sparingly to keep the meaning of the sentence clear.
When Jeff and Brian joined the team members, they were scared.
The pronoun "they" is unclear—does it refer to the team or Jeff and Brian? To enhance clarity, using a specific noun instead of a pronoun is recommended.
When Jeff and Brian joined the team members, the team members were scared.
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