Grammatically Correct 11/23/04
A weekly grammar tip created by Academic Center Peer Writing Tutors.
University of Houston-Victoria
3007 N. Ben Wilson
Victoria, TX 77901
Pronoun/Antecedent Agreement with Collective Nouns
by Shawn Brett
A collective noun is a single group (thing) that is composed of two or more “members” (usually people). Either a singular or plural pronoun can be used with a collective noun depending on the context.

Use a singular pronoun when the collective noun is doing something as a group.

Ex: The jury will present its verdict to the judge.
The jury is performing this action as a single unit. Each individual does not present the verdict.

Ex: The football team has scored its first touchdown.
The team has scored, not a particular individual.

Use a plural pronoun when each member of the group acts as an individual.

Ex: The committee have decided to stop for the day and go to their homes.
Although this sounds awkward, it is technically correct. To avoid an unnatural sounding sentence, you can insert the word “members” here. i.e. The committee members have decided to stop for the day and go to their homes.

Ex: The team got into their cars and drove home after the game.
Here you can replace “team” with “players” to avoid any awkwardness. i.e. The players got into their cars and drove home after the game.


Definitions

pronoun:
a word used in place of a noun
such as he, she, it, they, our (there are many more).
Recommended Grammar Website of the Week
by Shawn Brett
In addition to our own website, this week we recommend Duke University’s Guide to Library Research. This website focuses primarily on the preparation phases of a research paper such as gathering information, selecting resources, and refining a topic. There is also a section that covers citations extensively.

Visit Duke University’s Guide to Library Research at http://www.lib.duke.edu/libguide/home.htm
Test Your Knowledge
by Shawn Brett
Test your understanding of pronoun/antecedent agreement with collective nouns by correcting the following sentences if an error exists.

1. The army has sent many of their soldiers overseas.

2. The family held their annual reunion last week.

3. The department have voiced its opinions on the new rules.


Answers

1. The army has sent many of its soldiers overseas.

2. The family held its annual reunion last week.

3. The department (members) have voiced their opinions on the new rules.

 

Grammatically Correct is a grammar tip of the week created by Academic Center Peer Writing Tutors at the University of Houston-Victoria in Victoria, Texas.

Comments about this newsletter should be directed to Summer Leibensperger, leibenspergers@uhv.edu.

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