As a copy editor, it is important to ensure that all written material is not only grammatically correct, but also optimized for search engines. One area where proper grammar and SEO intersect is in pronoun-antecedent agreement, which is the focus of this article`s worksheet.
Worksheet 2: Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement
Directions: Read each sentence carefully and decide which pronoun fits best in the blank space. Be sure to choose a pronoun that agrees in number and gender with its antecedent. Remember, singular antecedents require singular pronouns, and plural antecedents require plural pronouns.
1. Samantha and ___________ friends went to the beach. (her/their)
2. The doctor told John and ___________ wife to rest. (his/their)
3. Each student must turn in ___________ assignment on time. (his/their)
4. The company is offering its employees ___________ a bonus for their hard work. (it/they)
5. The team celebrated ___________ victory with a party. (it/their)
6. Sarah and ___________ sisters are planning a trip. (her/their)
7. The committee members voted unanimously to approve ___________ proposal. (its/their)
8. The dog wagged ___________ tail when it saw its owner. (it/its`)
9. Every citizen should exercise ___________ right to vote. (his/their)
10. The group of musicians played ___________ instruments beautifully. (its/their)
Answers:
1. their
2. his
3. his
4. them
5. their
6. her
7. their
8. its
9. their
10. their
By using the correct pronoun in each sentence, the text becomes clearer and more grammatically correct. Additionally, using keywords such as “pronoun-antecedent agreement” in the title and body of the article can help improve its search engine optimization.
As a copy editor, it is important to not only ensure proper grammar but also to understand how words and phrases can affect a piece`s visibility online. By incorporating SEO techniques into your editing process, you can help ensure that all written material is not just grammatically correct but also optimized for search engines.