Either or Pronoun Agreement

Either Or Pronoun Agreement: How to Avoid Common Errors

Pronouns are an essential part of the English language, and correct agreement can help to convey meaning clearly and concisely. One area where pronoun agreement can be particularly tricky is with „either or” constructions. These can be challenging, and it`s not uncommon to make mistakes when using them. In this article, we`ll explore the basics of either or pronoun agreement and offer some tips for avoiding common errors.

What is „either or” pronoun agreement?

„Either or” constructions are used to present two options or possibilities. For example, „Either John or Mary will bring the cake to the party.” In this sentence, „either” is a conjunction that joins the two noun phrases „John” and „Mary.” The „or” serves to indicate that only one person will bring the cake to the party.

When it comes to pronoun agreement, what happens is that the pronoun should agree with the closest noun that the „either or” construction is referring to. Let`s take a look at an example:

„Either John or Mary will bring his or her cake to the party.”

In this sentence, the pronoun „his or her” should agree with the closest noun, which is „Mary.” Therefore, the correct sentence should be:

„Either John or Mary will bring her cake to the party.”

This is an example of either or pronoun agreement.

Common Errors with Either Or Pronoun Agreement

Even though either or pronoun agreement seems straightforward, it can be challenging to apply in practice. Here are some of the most common errors that people make when using either or constructions:

Mistake #1: Using „their” as a singular pronoun

One of the most frequent errors with either or pronoun agreement is using „their” as a singular pronoun. This error usually occurs when the writer is unsure of the gender of the noun they are referring to. For example:

„Either John or Mary will bring their cake to the party.”

This sentence is incorrect because „their” is a plural pronoun and cannot refer to a singular noun. The correct sentence would be:

„Either John or Mary will bring his or her cake to the party.”

Mistake #2: Using the wrong pronoun

Another mistake that people often make with either or pronoun agreement is using the wrong pronoun. For example:

„Either John or Mary will bring his cake to the party.”

This sentence is incorrect because „his” refers only to John and doesn`t agree with Mary. The correct sentence would be:

„Either John or Mary will bring her cake to the party.”

Mistake #3: Using the wrong noun

Finally, another common error with either or pronoun agreement is using the wrong noun. For example:

„Either John or Mary will bring their cakes to the party.”

This sentence is incorrect because the noun phrase „their cakes” doesn`t agree with the „either or” construction. The correct sentence would be:

„Either John or Mary will bring his or her cake to the party.”

Tips for Avoiding Common Errors

To avoid the common errors that we`ve discussed, here are some tips that you can follow:

– Always use singular pronouns with either or constructions.

– Identify the closest noun that the pronoun refers to and use the appropriate pronoun.

– Use the correct noun phrase that agrees with the either or construction.

Conclusion

Either or pronoun agreement is a tricky aspect of English grammar but can be mastered with practice. By understanding the basic rules and avoiding common errors, you can use either or constructions effectively to convey your intended meaning. When in doubt, always refer to a reliable grammar guide or consult with an experienced copy editor to ensure that your writing is clear, concise, and error-free.