As a copy editor, it is essential to have a keen eye for grammatical errors, particularly pronoun agreement. Pronoun agreement refers to the proper matching of the pronoun with its antecedent in terms of number, gender, and person. When this agreement is absent or faulty, it can confuse readers and obscure the intended meaning of the sentence.

Here are some common errors in pronoun agreement in sentences:

1. Incorrect Singular-Plural Agreement: When a sentence contains a singular subject, it requires a singular pronoun like « he, » « she, » or « it. » Conversely, if the subject is plural, the pronoun must also be plural like « they » or « them. » For example, « The team has won their match » is incorrect because « team » is singular, and « their » is a plural pronoun. It should be corrected to « the team has won its match. »

2. Gender Agreement: Pronouns must match the gender of the antecedent. « He » is a masculine pronoun, while « she » is feminine. Using « he » as a generic pronoun for both genders is incorrect. For example, « Each student should bring his own lunch » should be revised to « Each student should bring their own lunch » to be inclusive of all genders.

3. Ambiguous Agreement: When a sentence has multiple antecedents, it can be unclear which one the pronoun refers to. For example, « Mark and his brother went to the store, and he bought some milk. » It is unclear who bought the milk, Mark or his brother. It should be revised to « Mark went to the store with his brother and bought some milk. »

4. Shift in Person: Pronouns must also match the person of the subject. If the subject is in the third person, the pronoun must also be in the third person. A shift in person can make the sentence confusing. For example, « When one goes to a party, they should bring a gift » should be revised to « When one goes to a party, he or she should bring a gift. »

In conclusion, pronoun agreement errors are common in sentences and can lead to miscommunication and misunderstanding. As a copy editor, it is crucial to have a thorough understanding of pronoun agreement rules and to carefully review and revise sentences to ensure proper agreement. By doing so, you can help improve the clarity and effectiveness of written communication.