Pronoun Shift

Definition: A pronoun is a word used in place of a noun or a noun phrase (called the pronoun's antecedent.) Avoid shifts between first person ("I," "we"), second person ("you"), and third person ("he," "she," "it," "they") while you are still referring to the same people or things.

1		If a student is willing to work hard, you can go a long way in this course.
			A)	If a student is willing to work hard, he or she can go a long way in this course.
			B)	If a student is willing to work hard, they can go a long way in this course.
			C)	If students are willing to work hard, he or she can go a long way in this course.
2		It is not easy for teachers to keep their lectures and classroom presentations interesting; you have to spice them up with colorful visuals, and having a sense of humor doesn't hurt either.
			A)	It is not easy for teachers to keep their lectures and classroom presentations interesting; he or she has to spice them up with colorful visuals, and having a sense of humor doesn't hurt either.
			B)	It is not easy for teachers to keep their lectures and classroom presentations interesting; they have to spice them up with colorful visuals, and having a sense of humor doesn't hurt either.
			C)	It is not easy for a teacher to keep his or her lectures and classroom presentations interesting; you have to spice them up with colorful visuals, and having a sense of humor doesn't hurt either.
3		Whenever one encounters a difficult person, it is wise for you to react rationally.
			A)	Whenever one encounters a difficult person, it is wise for him or her to react rationally.
			B)	Whenever you encounter a difficult person, it is wise for one to react rationally.
			C)	Whenever you encounter a difficult person, it is wise for you to react rationally.
4		When Uncle Doug was in high school, you were required to take two English courses.
			A)	When Uncle Doug was in high school, one was required to take two English courses.
			B)	When Uncle Doug was in high school, they were required to take two English courses.
			C)	When Uncle Doug was in high school, he was required to take two English courses.
5		It is generally good for people to be exposed to tragedy. When they are, you begin to gain perspective, and they are forced to re-examine their lives, if only for a moment. When they re-examine their lives, you change.
			A)	It is generally good for a person to be exposed to tragedy. When they are, he or she begins to gain perspective, and they are forced to re-examine his or her life, if only for a moment. When he or she re-examines their lives, they change.
			B)	It is generally good for people to be exposed to tragedy. When you are, you begin to gain perspective, and you are forced to re-examine your life, if only for a moment. When you re-examine your life, you change.
			C)	It is generally good for people to be exposed to tragedy. When they are, they begin to gain perspective, and they are forced to re-examine their lives, if only for a moment. When they re-examine their lives, they change.
6		Seldom can one person climb a mountain alone. You almost always need someone by your side.
			A)	Seldom can you climb a mountain alone. You almost always need someone by your side.
			B)	Seldom can one person climb a mountain alone. You almost always need someone by your side.
			C)	Seldom can one person climb a mountain alone. They almost always need someone by their side.
7		Edit the following short passage to correct inappropriate pronoun shifts by choosing the correct revision from the alternatives offered below each of the numbered exercises. Be certain to edit the sentences so that the pronouns are consistent throughout the passage.The numbers in brackets [ ] identify each sentence. Which one of the following editing choices corrects pronoun-antecedent errors in sentences [1] - [2]?
			A)	Students often suffer when professors force them to write in class. For example, they get the sweats, and then your mind goes blank.
			B)	Students often suffer when professors force them to write in class. For example, they get the sweats, and then their minds go blank.
			C)	Students often suffer when professors force them to write in class. For example, he or she get the sweats, and then their mind goes blank.
8		Which one of the following editing choices corrects pronoun-antecedent errors in sentence [3]? Show sentences again.
			A)	Many students waste much of their in-class time staring at a blank page, wondering how they can get the writing started or hoping for divine inspiration.
			B)	A student wastes much of his or her in-class time staring at a blank page, wondering how they can get the writing started or hoping for divine inspiration.
			C)	Many students waste much of their in-class time staring at a blank page, wondering how he or she can get the writing started or hoping for divine inspiration.
9		Which one of the following editing choices corrects pronoun-antecedent errors in sentences [4]- [5]? Show sentences again.
			A)	Fortunately, there are strategies for avoiding this dilemma. Many students use freewriting, a technique that requires them to write down thoughts and ideas as quickly as they occur to him or her.
			B)	Fortunately, there are strategies for avoiding this dilemma. Many students use freewriting, a technique that requires him or her to write down thoughts and ideas as quickly as they occur to them.
			C)	Fortunately, there are strategies for avoiding this dilemma. Many students use freewriting, a technique that requires them to write down thoughts and ideas as quickly as they occur to them.
10		Which one of the following editing choices corrects pronoun-antecedent errors in sentences [6 ] - [7]? Show sentences again.
			A)	Not everything students write down is useful, but that is not the point. The point is for you to get something on paper--one thought that may lead to another thought--a few words to help the students move forward with the paper.
			B)	Not everything students write down is useful, but that is not the point. The point is for them to get something on paper--one thought that may lead to another thought--a few words to help them move forward with the paper.
			C)	Not everything students write down is useful, but that is not the point. The point is for you to get something on paper--one thought that may lead to another thought--a few words to help the student move forward with the paper.