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Agreement of the Relative Pronoun and Its Antecedent: A Guide for Proper Grammar

When writing a sentence, it’s important to ensure that the pronouns used are in agreement with their antecedents, particularly in the case of relative pronouns. A relative pronoun is a word that introduces a subordinate clause and connects it to the main clause. Examples of relative pronouns include who, whom, whose, which, and that.

To ensure proper grammar, it’s important to understand how to match the relative pronoun to the antecedent. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. Look for the antecedent.

The antecedent is the noun or pronoun that the relative pronoun refers to. Make sure to identify it before using a relative pronoun. For example, in the sentence “The book that I read was fascinating,” the antecedent is “book.”

2. Use the correct relative pronoun.

There are several different relative pronouns to choose from, and the one you use will depend on the antecedent. For example, use “who” for people, “which” for things, and “that” for both people and things. For example, “The woman who taught me English was an excellent teacher” and “The car that I drove was a rental.”

3. Ensure that the relative pronoun agrees with the antecedent in number and gender.

If the antecedent is plural, make sure to use a plural relative pronoun. If the antecedent is singular, use a singular relative pronoun. For example, “The boys who were playing basketball were having fun” and “The boy who was playing basketball was having fun.”

In terms of gender, use “who” for male and female subjects, “whom” for male and female objects, and “that” for both male and female subjects and objects. For example, “The woman who I spoke to was very helpful” and “The man whom I interviewed was a great candidate.”

4. Avoid using too many relative pronouns in one sentence.

While relative pronouns can be useful for connecting clauses, using too many can make a sentence difficult to understand. Make sure to use them sparingly and only when necessary.

In conclusion, understanding how to match the relative pronoun to the antecedent is an important aspect of proper grammar. By following these tips, you can ensure that your writing is clear, concise, and grammatically correct.