As a copy editor, it`s important to ensure that all written content is grammatically correct, including proper pronoun agreement. Pronouns are an essential part of the English language, as they replace nouns to avoid redundancy. However, using pronouns correctly can be challenging, especially when it comes to agreement. Pronoun agreement errors can significantly affect the clarity and coherence of the text, which is why it`s crucial to practice and master their proper usage.
Here is an answer key to Pronoun Agreement Exercise 5 to help you improve your understanding of pronoun agreement:
1. Neither of the boys finished (his/their) homework on time.
Answer: Neither of the boys finished his homework on time.
Explanation: “Neither” is a singular pronoun, which means that it requires a singular pronoun to agree with it. Therefore, “his” is the correct choice in this sentence.
2. All the employees are required to attend (their/his) meeting.
Answer: All the employees are required to attend their meeting.
Explanation: “All” is a plural pronoun, which means that it requires a plural pronoun to agree with it. Therefore, “their” is the correct choice in this sentence.
3. Many have tried to climb this mountain, but (he/they) all failed.
Answer: Many have tried to climb this mountain, but they all failed.
Explanation: “Many” is a plural pronoun, which means that it requires a plural pronoun to agree with it. Therefore, “they” is the correct choice in this sentence.
4. Neither the dog nor the cat drank (its/their) water.
Answer: Neither the dog nor the cat drank their water.
Explanation: “Neither…nor” is a conjunction that requires a plural pronoun to agree with both subjects. Therefore, “their” is the correct choice in this sentence.
5. Everyone is asked to bring (his/their) own lunch to the picnic.
Answer: Everyone is asked to bring their own lunch to the picnic.
Explanation: “Everyone” is a singular pronoun that refers to a group of people, which means it requires a plural pronoun to agree with it. Therefore, “their” is the correct choice in this sentence.
6. Each of the students must complete (his/their) homework before the end of the day.
Answer: Each of the students must complete their homework before the end of the day.
Explanation: “Each” is a singular pronoun, which means that it requires a singular pronoun to agree with it. However, using “his or her” can sound awkward or clumsy, which is why “their” is an acceptable alternative in modern English.
In conclusion, mastering the proper usage of pronouns is essential for clear and effective communication in writing. By practicing exercises like Pronoun Agreement Exercise 5 and using the answer key, you can improve your understanding and application of pronoun agreement rules. As a professional, I highly recommend that you pay attention to pronoun agreement in your writing to enhance the quality of your content.