Inappropriate Pronoun Shift

Common Core standard L.6.1.c

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Having pronoun-antecedent agreement helps readers match a pronoun with a particular noun. By doing this, the writer specifies the meaning of the sentence.

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What it is: A pronoun that doesn’t agree in number (singular or plural) or person (first, second, third) with its antecedent.

Why it happens: Writers forget to check for it.  They’re in a hurry to record their thoughts or finish the work and make a mistake.

Example: Paul and John worked hard on his group project.

Here, the subject contains two people: Paul and John.  The pronoun should reflect this by being plural.  Paul and John worked hard on their group project.

Example: I danced with our mom.

This sentence might work if it was in dialogue, such as a conversation with the narrator’s sibling.  However, by itself, the pronoun “our” does not match number with its antecedent, “I.”

I danced with my mom.

Example: Avery ate their lunch.

In isolation, style books say that this is incorrect.  However, there are a few notable instances where this structure is acceptable.  First, the singular “they” is gaining mainstream acceptance – though it was actually used as far back as Shakespeare’s time, so it’s not a new concept.  Second, if the surrounding sentences make it clear that Avery is eating someone else’s lunch (The twins brought a lunch.  Avery ate their lunch.) it is more acceptable.