Pronouns are words that stand in for nouns that are more specific. In order to use them wisely, it must always be clear to which specific noun within the sentence you are referring. Additionally, pronouns must always be consistent in conveying number (singular or plural) and, if appropriate, gender. The following examples will illustrate several common issues with pronouns, and provide ways to correct them.
Example 1: Any student who wishes to obtain a driver’s license before his eighteenth birthday must first take a drivers’ education course.
This sentence shows an example of gender bias. The pronoun “his” is used as a substitute for a subject that is inclusive to both males and females. This sentence can be revised to include both gender pronouns (“his or her”), or it can be revised to pluralize the subject and use the gender-neutral plural pronoun “their.”
Solution 1: Any student who wishes to obtain a driver’s license before his or her eighteenth birthday must first take a drivers’ education course.
Solution 2: Students who wish to obtain a driver’s license before their eighteenth birthday must first take a drivers’ education course.
Example 2: The doctor sat down with the patient. He chewed his fingernails nervously.
In this passage, the pronoun that opens the second sentence could refer to either the doctor or the patient. The clearest way to revise a passage like this is to combine these sentences and place the vague content nearest to the subject it is meant to describe.
Solution 1: The doctor sat down with the patient, who chewed his fingernails nervously.
Solution 2: The doctor, who chewed his fingernails nervously, sat down with the patient.
Example 3: I called the school, but they didn’t answer
Who is “they” in this sentence? The only specific noun in this sentence is “the school,” which implies that the building itself is responsible for answering phones. Revise this sentence with a more specific noun or a more accurate pronoun for better clarity.
Solution 1: I called the school, but the receptionist didn’t answer.
Solution 2: I called the school, but nobody answered.
Copyright © by Lucas Pingel, usage permitted at St. Catherine University
Example 1: Any student who wishes to obtain a driver’s license before his eighteenth birthday must first take a drivers’ education course.
This sentence shows an example of gender bias. The pronoun “his” is used as a substitute for a subject that is inclusive to both males and females. This sentence can be revised to include both gender pronouns (“his or her”), or it can be revised to pluralize the subject and use the gender-neutral plural pronoun “their.”
Solution 1: Any student who wishes to obtain a driver’s license before his or her eighteenth birthday must first take a drivers’ education course.
Solution 2: Students who wish to obtain a driver’s license before their eighteenth birthday must first take a drivers’ education course.
Example 2: The doctor sat down with the patient. He chewed his fingernails nervously.
In this passage, the pronoun that opens the second sentence could refer to either the doctor or the patient. The clearest way to revise a passage like this is to combine these sentences and place the vague content nearest to the subject it is meant to describe.
Solution 1: The doctor sat down with the patient, who chewed his fingernails nervously.
Solution 2: The doctor, who chewed his fingernails nervously, sat down with the patient.
Example 3: I called the school, but they didn’t answer
Who is “they” in this sentence? The only specific noun in this sentence is “the school,” which implies that the building itself is responsible for answering phones. Revise this sentence with a more specific noun or a more accurate pronoun for better clarity.
Solution 1: I called the school, but the receptionist didn’t answer.
Solution 2: I called the school, but nobody answered.
Copyright © by Lucas Pingel, usage permitted at St. Catherine University
