"Skills and Drills" Learning Module 6: Pronoun- Antecedent Agreement Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement The concepts of pronoun-antecedent agreement echo the concepts just discussed in the previous module on subject-verb agreement. An antecedent (also known as a referent) is the word the pronoun refers to. A pronoun must agree in number (singular or plural), person (first, second, or third), and, if necessary, gender (feminine or masculine) with its antecedent. In the second sentence below, what pronoun would you write on the blank? Samantha went to the store. ________ bought eggs. We would all agree that the pronoun she belongs in the blank because of the antecedent Samantha. The pronoun she agrees with the antecedent Samantha in number (they are both singular), in person (they are both in the third person), and in gender (they are both feminine). When the antecedents of a pronoun are joined by either/or or neither/ nor, the pronoun should agree with the nearer antecedent. Neither the Gagnons nor the Screens have brought their binoculars. Neither the supervisor nor his assistants have reached their goals. Neither the assistants nor the supervisor has reached his goals. (Although this sentence is grammatically correct, it is awkward and should be recast. When a plural and a singular are joined with either/or or neither/nor, the language flows better when the plural antecedent is placed closer to the pronoun.) Either Rebecca or Juanita will relinquish her desk. Either Robert or Juanita will relinquish her desk. (Although this sentence is grammatically correct, it is awkward and should be recast: Robert's or Juanita's desk will have to be relinquished.)