Antecendent Pronoun – Concept and Its Uses

We know that pronouns are used in place of nouns.  

An antecedent is the noun that a pronoun refers to or replaces in a sentence. All pronouns have antecedents. 

For example: David is searching for his car’s key. 

Here David is the antecedent of the pronoun his. 

Pronoun- antecedent agreement 

The pronoun in a sentence must agree with its antecedents. 

A singular antecedent needs a singular pronoun and a plural antecedent needs a plural pronoun.

If the noun is uncountable or referring to a team, then the pronoun used would be singular. 

For example: The team has started its preparation for the next match. 

If the noun is countable, the pronoun used would be plural. 

For example: The students were made to stand according to their height. 

With indefinite pronouns like no one, one, anything, everything, either, each, something etc. are used as antecedents, then the pronoun following them will be singular. 

For example: One of the students is not well.  

With indefinite pronouns like many, few, both, several etc. are used as antecedents, then the pronoun following them will be plural. 

For example: Many people are waiting for their turn to consult the doctor.