Observing Pronoun-Reference Agreement Rules for

Indefinite Pronouns and Collective Nouns

Indefinite Pronouns

Sometimes, antecedents may themselves be pronouns. Use singular

pronouns to refer to singular indefinite pronouns and plural pronouns
several
to refer to plural indefinite pronouns.

some
Singular Plural

one words: one, anyone, everyone, no one, someone both

body words: anybody, everybody, somebody, nobody many

thing words: everything, anything, something

other words: any, each, either, neither

Use his/her or he/she to refer to a singular indefinite pronoun.

Somebody (singular indefinite) left his or her (singular pronoun)

gift on the table.

Some (plural indefinite) brought their (plural pronoun) gifts on

the table.

Resources:
Joy In Learning English Grade 6
Generic and Collective Nouns

Use a singular pronoun his/her or he/she (nonsexist) with singular

generic nouns.

Every employee (singular, generic) should wear his or her ID during

the trip.

Use a plural pronoun with a nongeneric plural pronoun.

All employees should wear their IDs during the trip.

Use a singular pronoun with a collective noun referring to a group that

functions as a unitand not as an individual.

The company staff will have its trip to Hong Kong next week.
The assigned committee hopes that its plans materialize
successfully.

Use a plural pronoun with a collective noun whose group members

function individually.

The company staff had their tickets issued last Thursday and Friday.
The assigned company committee had accomplished their
respective tasks.

Resources:
Joy In Learning English Grade 6