Pronouns

1. Pronouns

2. Pronouns • A pronoun is a word that takes the place of a noun or a group of words acting as a noun. • An antecedent is the noun (or group of words acting like a noun) to which the pronoun refers.

3. Pronouns • Imagine, for example, that you are writing about aunt jenny. If you were using only nouns, you might write the following sentence: • With nouns: aunt jenny was late because aunt jenny had waited for aunt jenny’s computer technician. • With pronouns: aunt jenny was late because she had waited for her computer technician.

4. Pronouns • Sometimes a pronoun can take the place of a noun in the same sentence. • Example: my father opened his files first. • Example: many people say exercise has helped them.

5. pronouns • A pronoun can also take the place of a noun used in an earlier sentence. • Example: my father opened his e-mail first. He couldn’t wait any longer. • Example: students must take a fine arts class. They can choose dance or music.

6. pronouns • A pronoun may take the place of an entire group of words. • Example: trying to make the team is hard work. It takes hours of practice every day.

7. Pronouns • It is important to make sure your pronouns clearly point to the antecedent it is replacing. • Example: What is unclear about these pronouns? • After putting the disk in the cabinet, mabel sold it. • Jennifer’s sister wondered if she were tall enough to be a model.

8. pronouns • What is the pronoun in this sentence? • The children wanted to play, so they grabbed the ball. • Dad said he would be working in the basement. • Jackie thought she would like to try out for the school musical. • Most people can remember their phone numbers.