Pronoun Consistency
| Be especially careful with sentences that include the pronouns one, you, either, neither, each, and/or both. In academic writing, the pronoun one is often used in place of the word you. It is important to use the same pronoun consistently both in a single sentence and an entire essay. The pronouns are not consistent in the following sentence: When meeting your new boss, one must appear confident. The sentence above can be correctly rewritten in two ways: When meeting your new boss, you should appear confident. (less formal) When meeting one’s new boss, one should appear confident. (more formal) The pronouns either and neither are singular; they must be used with other singular pronouns, singular verbs and singular nouns. Either my boyfriend or his brother is bringing his portable stereo. Neither my aunt nor her sister-in-law enjoys cleaning her swimming pool. The pronoun both is plural; it must be used with other plural pronouns and plural verbs. Both my boyfriend and his brother are bringing their portable stereos. Both my mother and I avoid cleaning our bird-feeders. Remember! Parts of speech must match! |
| Neither Tommy nor his partner knows how to make strawberry jam, but both enjoy fresh strawberry shortcake. |
| Free Praxis Prep is a service of Multicultural Education Programs at the University of Southern Maine About Us Using this Material Contact Us Linking |
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |