Grammar Agreement Questions Long
When using possessive pronouns, there are several rules for agreement that need to be followed. These rules ensure that the possessive pronoun agrees in number and gender with the noun it is referring to. Here are the main rules for agreement when using possessive pronouns:
1. Agreement in number: Possessive pronouns must agree in number with the noun they are replacing. For example, if the noun is singular, the possessive pronoun should also be singular. Similarly, if the noun is plural, the possessive pronoun should be plural. For instance:
- Singular noun: This is my book. (Correct)
- Plural noun: These are our books. (Correct)
2. Agreement in gender: Possessive pronouns should also agree in gender with the noun they are replacing. In English, gender agreement is mainly observed in the third person singular pronouns. For example:
- Masculine noun: This is his car. (Correct)
- Feminine noun: This is her bag. (Correct)
3. Agreement with indefinite pronouns: When using possessive pronouns with indefinite pronouns, the possessive pronoun should agree with the noun that the indefinite pronoun represents. For example:
- Indefinite pronoun: Everyone should bring their own lunch. (Correct)
- Indefinite pronoun: Somebody left his or her umbrella here. (Correct)
4. Agreement with collective nouns: When using possessive pronouns with collective nouns, the agreement can vary depending on whether the collective noun is considered as a single unit or as individuals. For example:
- Collective noun as a single unit: The team celebrated its victory. (Correct)
- Collective noun as individuals: The team members celebrated their victory. (Correct)
5. Agreement with compound nouns: When using possessive pronouns with compound nouns, the possessive pronoun should agree with the last noun in the compound. For example:
- Compound noun: This is my sister-in-law's car. (Correct)
It is important to note that possessive pronouns do not require an apostrophe ('s) to show possession. The pronouns themselves already indicate possession. For example:
- Incorrect: This is John's and mine car.
- Correct: This is John's and my car.
In summary, when using possessive pronouns, it is crucial to ensure agreement in number and gender with the noun they are replacing. Additionally, agreement with indefinite pronouns, collective nouns, and compound nouns should also be considered. By following these rules, one can effectively use possessive pronouns in a grammatically correct manner.