Writing Handbook Exercises
 

Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement

In the sample sentences below, pronouns have a double underline, and their antecedents or the nouns they refer to have a single underline. Correct the agreement error in each sentence by effectively altering either the pronoun or its antecedent. Write the revised sentence on the lines provided. Hint: if the gender of the antecedent is unspecified, it is preferable to use a genderless plural pronoun where possible.

example:

I recall him commenting, "How the hell is a general supposed to learn their job except by trying?"

I recall him commenting, "How the hell are generals supposed to learn their job except by trying?"

6. There is no need for formal debate and/or decision because each nation is free to interpret the purpose of missile defence as they see fit.