Antecedent Opposites: Mastering Pronoun Disagreement

Understanding antecedents and their pronouns is crucial for clear and effective communication. However, what happens when we deliberately use pronouns that clash with their antecedents in number, gender, or even concept?

This article delves into the fascinating world of antecedent opposites, exploring how and why we might intentionally break the rules of pronoun agreement for stylistic effect, emphasis, or to challenge conventional grammatical norms. Whether you’re a student, writer, or language enthusiast, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and insights to navigate this advanced topic with confidence.

This article is designed to assist English language learners, writers, and anyone interested in deepening their understanding of grammar and stylistic choices. By exploring the nuances of pronoun disagreement, you can enhance your writing skills, improve your comprehension of complex texts, and gain a more profound appreciation for the flexibility and creativity inherent in the English language.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Definition: Antecedent Opposites
• Structural Breakdown
• Types and Categories of Pronoun Disagreement
  • Number Disagreement
  • Gender Disagreement
  • Conceptual Disagreement
• Examples of Antecedent Opposites
  • Number Disagreement Examples
  • Gender Disagreement Examples
  • Conceptual Disagreement Examples
• Usage Rules and Considerations
• Common Mistakes
• Practice Exercises
  • Exercise 1: Identifying Pronoun Disagreement
  • Exercise 2: Correcting Pronoun Disagreement
  • Exercise 3: Using Pronoun Disagreement for Effect
• Advanced Topics
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Conclusion

Definition: Antecedent Opposites

The term “antecedent opposites,” as used in this article, refers to the deliberate and sometimes unintentional use of pronouns that do not agree with their antecedents in number, gender, or conceptual agreement. While standard grammar dictates that pronouns must agree with their antecedents to maintain clarity and coherence, there are instances where writers and speakers intentionally deviate from this rule for specific stylistic or rhetorical purposes.

This deviation can create emphasis, challenge social norms, or reflect the speaker’s perspective.

In traditional grammar, the antecedent is the noun or noun phrase that a pronoun refers to. The pronoun takes its meaning from the antecedent. For example, in the sentence “Mary went to the store, and she bought milk,” “Mary” is the antecedent, and “she” is the pronoun that refers to Mary. Pronoun agreement dictates that the pronoun must match the antecedent in number (singular or plural), gender (masculine, feminine, or neuter), and person (first, second, or third). However, “antecedent opposites” intentionally violate these rules.

The function of using antecedent opposites varies depending on the context. It can be used to create a sense of irony, humor, or even social commentary.

In literature, it might be used to reflect a character’s internal conflict or to challenge societal expectations. In everyday speech, it can be used to express a personal opinion or to make a statement about identity.

Understanding the nuances of antecedent opposites allows for a more nuanced comprehension of language and its potential for creative expression.

Structural Breakdown

The structure of a sentence involving antecedent opposites typically includes the antecedent, which is the noun or noun phrase, and the pronoun that refers back to it. However, the key difference lies in the disagreement between the two elements.

This disagreement can manifest in several ways:

• Number Disagreement: The antecedent is singular, but the pronoun is plural, or vice versa. For example: “Everyone thinks they are special.” (Singular antecedent “everyone,” plural pronoun “they”).
• Gender Disagreement: The antecedent has a specific gender, but the pronoun used does not match that gender. This is increasingly relevant in discussions of gender identity and inclusivity. For example: “The student wanted to be known for their intelligence.” (Singular antecedent “student” with a gender-neutral pronoun “their”).
• Conceptual Disagreement: The pronoun does not logically align with the concept represented by the antecedent. For example: “The team played horribly; it should be ashamed of themselves.” (Singular antecedent “team” treated as plural with “themselves”).

Analyzing the structure involves identifying the antecedent and pronoun and then determining the nature of the disagreement. Understanding the intended effect of this disagreement is crucial for interpreting the sentence correctly.

Is it a deliberate stylistic choice, a reflection of evolving language norms, or simply an error? The context usually provides the necessary clues.

Consider the sentence, “A company must protect their reputation at all costs.” Here, “company” is the antecedent, which is singular. However, “their” is a plural pronoun.

This intentional mismatch might be used to subtly imply that a company is comprised of many individuals, thereby justifying the plural pronoun despite the singular noun. The structure is straightforward, but the interpretation requires sensitivity to the potential motivations behind the pronoun disagreement.

Types and Categories of Pronoun Disagreement

Number Disagreement

Number disagreement occurs when a singular antecedent is paired with a plural pronoun, or vice versa. This is perhaps the most common type of antecedent opposite.

Historically, this was often considered a grammatical error, but it is increasingly accepted, especially with the rise of the singular ‘they’.

The use of the singular ‘they’ often arises when the gender of the antecedent is unknown or irrelevant, or when referring to someone who identifies as non-binary. For example, “A student left their book in the library.” In this case, the gender of the student is not specified, and ‘their’ is used as a gender-neutral singular pronoun.

This usage is becoming more widespread in both spoken and written English.

Gender Disagreement

Gender disagreement involves using a pronoun that does not match the perceived or known gender of the antecedent. This can be a sensitive issue, particularly in discussions about gender identity.

Traditionally, pronouns were strictly tied to binary genders (he/him for masculine, she/her for feminine). However, contemporary usage recognizes that individuals may identify outside of these binary categories.

Using a pronoun that doesn’t align with someone’s gender identity can be deeply offensive. Increasingly, people are sharing their preferred pronouns (e.g., “He/Him/His,” “She/Her/Hers,” or “They/Them/Theirs”).

Respecting these preferences is crucial. When referring to someone whose pronouns are unknown, using ‘they/them/theirs’ as a singular, gender-neutral pronoun is the accepted norm.

Conceptual Disagreement

Conceptual disagreement occurs when the pronoun, while grammatically agreeing in number and gender, clashes with the overall concept or meaning of the antecedent. This is often more subtle and requires a deeper understanding of the context.

For example, consider the sentence, “The jury reached its verdict, and they were unanimous.” Grammatically, “its” would be correct, but the use of “they” emphasizes the individual members of the jury and their collective decision-making process. This subtle shift can highlight the human element behind the legal process.

Another example: “The class did well on their exams,” where ‘their’ emphasizes the individual achievements comprising the overall class performance.

Examples of Antecedent Opposites

Number Disagreement Examples

The following table provides examples of number disagreement, highlighting the antecedent, the pronoun, and the intended effect.

Antecedent	Pronoun	Sentence	Intended Effect
Everyone	They	Everyone thinks they are an expert these days.	Informal, inclusive language; avoids gender assumptions.
Somebody	Them	Somebody left them keys on the table.	Gender-neutral; avoids specifying gender when unknown.
Each student	Their	Each student needs to bring their own lunch.	Distributive; emphasizes individual responsibility while avoiding gender bias.
A person	They	A person should always be true to themselves.	Gender-neutral alternative to “himself or herself.”
The band	They	The band is releasing their new album next month.	Emphasizes the band as a collective of individuals.
The committee	Their	The committee has announced their decision.	Highlights the individual members contributing to the decision.
No one	They	No one wants to admit they made a mistake.	Common usage, avoids gendered pronouns.
Anybody	Them	Has anybody seen them phone?	Informal, gender-neutral.
Every child	Their	Every child deserves to have their dreams fulfilled.	Inclusive, avoids gender assumptions.
Someone	Theirs	Someone left theirs behind.	Gender-neutral possessive.
The company	Their	The company announced their new policy.	Treats the company as a collection of people.
The team	They	The team celebrated their victory.	Highlights individual contributions to the team’s success.
Each participant	Their	Each participant must sign their waiver.	Gender-neutral, avoids “his or her.”
Every employee	Their	Every employee is responsible for their actions.	Inclusive and non-sexist.
A user	Their	A user can customize their settings.	Generic, gender-neutral.
The organization	Their	The organization is proud of their accomplishments.	Emphasizes the collective effort.
The government	They	The government has failed its people, they are corrupt.	Expresses disapproval, distancing the speaker.
A citizen	Their	A citizen should exercise their right to vote.	Inclusive, promotes equality.
Every member	Their	Every member has their own opinion.	Acknowledges individual perspectives.
Anybody	They	Anybody can learn if they put their mind to it.	Encouraging, gender-neutral.
Each person	Their	Each person should respect their neighbors.	Promotes mutual respect.
The public	They	The public demands they know the truth.	Emphasizes collective demand.
The class	Their	The class is going on their field trip.	Highlights individual excitement.
Nobody	Their	Nobody wants to admit their faults.	Common idiom, avoids gender specification.
Anyone	Them	If anyone calls, tell them I’m out.	Gender-neutral and commonly used in spoken English.

Gender Disagreement Examples

The following table provides examples of gender disagreement, showcasing the antecedent, pronoun, and the reasoning behind the usage.

Antecedent	Pronoun	Sentence	Reasoning
The student	They	The student wanted to be known for their intelligence.	Gender-neutral pronoun used when student’s gender is unknown or irrelevant, or if the student uses they/them pronouns.
My friend (non-binary)	They	My friend is coming over; they are bringing a game.	Respects the friend’s preferred pronouns.
The artist	They	The artist showcased their work at the gallery.	Avoids assuming the artist’s gender.
The doctor	They	The doctor will see you now; they are running a bit late.	Gender-neutral, avoids gender stereotypes.
The professor	They	The professor graded the exams; they were impressed.	Inclusive, avoids gender bias.
The engineer	They	The engineer presented their findings; they were well-received.	Promotes gender equality in professional roles.
The child	They	The child is playing outside; they seem happy.	Neutral, avoids specifying gender.
A person	They	A person should always be true to themselves.	Inclusive, non-binary option.
The individual	They	The individual has the right to express themselves.	Respectful and inclusive.
The applicant	They	The applicant will be notified of their status soon.	Professional, gender-neutral.
The user	They	The user can customize their profile settings.	Typical in software documentation, gender-neutral.
The client	They	The client will be contacted about their appointment.	Professional, avoids gender assumptions.
The customer	They	The customer can return the item to any store; they will receive a full refund.	Standard practice in customer service.
The employee	They	The employee is entitled to their vacation days.	Corporate communication, non-sexist.
The patient	They	The patient should discuss their concerns with the doctor.	Medical context, avoids gender specification.
The resident	They	The resident is responsible for maintaining their property.	General statement, gender-neutral.
The voter	They	The voter should research their candidates.	Civic context, inclusive.
The participant	They	The participant will receive their certificate upon completion.	Event context, gender-neutral.
The member	They	The member can access their account online.	Membership context, gender-neutral.
The guest	They	The guest can leave their luggage at the front desk.	Hospitality, inclusive.

Conceptual Disagreement Examples

The table below provides examples of conceptual disagreement, highlighting where the pronoun usage shifts the focus or meaning.

Antecedent	Pronoun	Sentence	Explanation
The family	They	The family are going their separate ways for the holidays.	Emphasizes individual members of the family rather than a single unit.
The team	They	The team celebrated their victory with individual performances.	Focuses on the contributions of each team member.
The audience	They	The audience showed their appreciation with a standing ovation.	Highlights the individual reactions of audience members.
The government	They	The government has lost the people’s trust; they are corrupt.	Treats the government as a collection of individuals acting corruptly.
The company	They	The company is laying off employees; they are facing financial difficulties.	Attributing the difficulties to the decisions of people within the company.
The school	They	The school is implementing new policies; they aim to improve student outcomes.	Implies the policies are made by a collection of administrators/teachers.
The orchestra	They	The orchestra played beautifully; they received rave reviews.	Highlights the individual skill of the musicians.
The couple	They	The couple decided to go their own ways, they were no longer compatible.	Emphasizes the two individuals within the couple.
The band	They	The band argued backstage; they couldn’t agree on the setlist.	Shows the band as a group of distinct personalities.
The crew	They	The crew worked tirelessly; they finished ahead of schedule.	Focuses on the individual contributions of the crew members.
The cast	They	The cast took their bows; they were thrilled with the performance.	Highlights the individual actors’ reactions to the audience.
The committee	They	The committee discussed the proposal, they each had different opinions.	Emphasizes the variety of viewpoints among the members.
The staff	They	The staff celebrated, they all earned a bonus.	Highlights the individual benefits received by each staff member.
The board	They	The board voted unanimously; they approved the budget.	Implies each member individually supported the budget.
The jury	They	The jury reached a verdict; they were convinced of his guilt.	Indicates each juror was individually convinced.
The class	They	The class is excited; they are going on a field trip.	Highlights each student’s anticipation.
The family	Their	The family wants to sell their house.	Each member has ownership.
The company	They	The company is expanding, they are opening new offices.	The company is expanding because of the people.
The school	They	The school is proud of their students.	Each student contributes.
The army	They	The army made their way through the battle.	Each soldier contributed.

Usage Rules and Considerations

While antecedent opposites can be used effectively, it’s crucial to understand the rules and considerations that govern their appropriate use. First and foremost, clarity should always be the primary goal. If using a pronoun that disagrees with its antecedent creates confusion, it should be avoided. Consider your audience and the context in which you are writing or speaking.

When using the singular ‘they,’ ensure that your audience is likely to understand and accept this usage. In formal writing or when addressing a conservative audience, it may be necessary to provide a brief explanation or use alternative phrasing.

Also, be consistent. Don’t switch between singular and plural pronouns when referring to the same antecedent unless there’s a clear reason to do so.

In situations involving gender identity, always respect an individual’s preferred pronouns. If you are unsure of someone’s pronouns, it’s best to ask politely.

Using the wrong pronoun can be hurtful and disrespectful. In general writing, if you are unsure of the gender of an individual, using the singular ‘they’ is a safe and inclusive option.

Consider the potential for ambiguity. If using ‘they’ to refer to a singular antecedent could be misinterpreted as referring to multiple people, rephrase the sentence to avoid confusion.

For example, instead of “The student said they were tired,” you could say “The student said that he or she was tired” or “The student said they felt tired,” if you know their pronouns or are using the singular they intentionally.

Common Mistakes

One of the most common mistakes is unintentional pronoun disagreement, where the writer or speaker simply overlooks the need for agreement. This often happens when the antecedent is far from the pronoun or when the sentence structure is complex.

Here’s a comparison:

Incorrect	Correct	Explanation
Each student should bring their book.	Each student should bring his or her book. OR Each student should bring their own book.	“Each student” is singular; “their” is plural. The corrected version uses “his or her” or rephrases to use “their” intentionally as singular.
Someone left their phone on the table.	Someone left his or her phone on the table. OR Someone left their phone on the table.	“Someone” is singular; “their” is plural. The corrected version uses “his or her” or accepts “their” as a gender-neutral singular.
The company is proud of it’s employees.	The company is proud of its employees.	Confusion between “its” (possessive) and “it’s” (it is). This is a spelling error, not a pronoun agreement issue, but it often occurs in similar contexts.
Everyone has their own opinion, isn’t it?	Everyone has their own opinion, don’t they?	Incorrect tag question. “Everyone” is treated as plural in the tag question.
A person should always look after themselves.	A person should always look after himself or herself. OR A person should always look after themself.	Using “themselves” with a singular antecedent can seem incorrect. “Themself” is a less common but grammatically sound option or rephrase to avoid the issue.

Another mistake is using outdated or offensive language when referring to gender. Avoid using “he” as a generic pronoun to refer to both men and women.

This practice is considered sexist and exclusionary. Instead, use the singular ‘they,’ rephrase the sentence, or use “he or she.”

Finally, be mindful of the tone and context. Using antecedent opposites inappropriately can come across as insensitive or disrespectful.

Always consider the impact of your language on your audience and strive to communicate clearly and inclusively.

Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Identifying Pronoun Disagreement

Identify whether the following sentences contain pronoun disagreement. If they do, specify the antecedent and pronoun and explain the type of disagreement (number, gender, or conceptual).

Sentence	Pronoun Disagreement? (Yes/No)	Antecedent	Pronoun	Type of Disagreement
Each student must bring their own textbook to class.
The team celebrated its victory with a champagne toast.
A person should always be true to themselves.
The company announced their new sustainability initiatives.
My friend is a talented musician; they play the guitar beautifully.
Everyone thinks they are an expert on social media.
The jury reached its verdict after deliberating for three days.
No one wants to admit they made a mistake.
The school is proud of its students’ achievements.
The couple decided to go their separate ways.

Answer Key:

Sentence	Pronoun Disagreement? (Yes/No)	Antecedent	Pronoun	Type of Disagreement
Each student must bring their own textbook to class.	Yes	Each student	their	Number
The team celebrated its victory with a champagne toast.	No	The team	its	N/A
A person should always be true to themselves.	Yes	A person	themselves	Number
The company announced their new sustainability initiatives.	Yes	The company	their	Number
My friend is a talented musician; they play the guitar beautifully.	Yes	My friend	they	Gender (potentially, depending on friend’s pronouns)
Everyone thinks they are an expert on social media.	Yes	Everyone	they	Number
The jury reached its verdict after deliberating for three days.	No	The jury	its	N/A
No one wants to admit they made a mistake.	Yes	No one	they	Number
The school is proud of its students’ achievements.	No	The school	its	N/A
The couple decided to go their separate ways.	Yes	The couple	their	Number

Exercise 2: Correcting Pronoun Disagreement

Correct the pronoun disagreement in the following sentences. If the use of the pronoun is intentional, explain why it is appropriate.

Sentence	Corrected Sentence	Explanation (if intentional)
Every employee should ensure their workstation is clean.
The band is excited to release their new album.
Someone left his or her umbrella in the office.
Each participant must submit their application by Friday.
The committee will announce its decision next week.
A student should always strive to do their best.
The family are going on their summer vacation.
Nobody wants to admit they were wrong.
The team is training hard for its upcoming game.
The government are trying to improve their reputation.

Answer Key:

Sentence	Corrected Sentence	Explanation (if intentional)
Every employee should ensure their workstation is clean.	Every employee should ensure his or her workstation is clean. OR Every employee should ensure their own workstation is clean.	Using “their” is intentional as a gender-neutral pronoun, but “his or her” is also grammatically correct.
The band is excited to release their new album.	The band is excited to release its new album. OR The band are excited to release their new album.	Using “their” is intentional to emphasize the individual members.
Someone left his or her umbrella in the office.	Someone left their umbrella in the office.	“Their” is now widely accepted as a gender-neutral singular pronoun.
Each participant must submit their application by Friday.	Each participant must submit his or her application by Friday. OR Each participant must submit their own application by Friday.	Using “their” is intentional as a gender-neutral pronoun.
The committee will announce its decision next week.	The committee will announce their decision next week.	Using “their” is intentional to emphasize the individual members of the committee.
A student should always strive to do their best.	A student should always strive to do his or her best. OR A student should always strive to do their best.	Using “their” is intentional as a gender-neutral pronoun.
The family are going on their summer vacation.	The family is going on its summer vacation. OR The family are going on their summer vacations.	Using “their” is intentional to emphasize individuals.
Nobody wants to admit they were wrong.	Nobody wants to admit he or she was wrong. OR Nobody wants to admit they were wrong.	Using “their” is intentional as a gender-neutral pronoun.
The team is training hard for its upcoming game.	The team is training hard for their upcoming game.	Using “their” is intentional to emphasize the individual on the team.
The government are trying to improve their reputation.	The government is trying to improve its reputation. OR The government are trying to improve their reputations.	Using “their” is intentional to emphasize the individual members.

Exercise 3: Using Pronoun Disagreement for Effect

Rewrite the following sentences using pronoun disagreement for a specific effect (e.g., to be more inclusive, to emphasize individuality, or to challenge traditional norms). Explain the effect you are trying to achieve.

Original Sentence	Rewritten Sentence	Intended Effect
Each teacher should prepare his lesson plans carefully.
The company is known for its innovative products.
A citizen has a responsibility to vote.
The team celebrated its championship win.
Every student needs to bring his own lunch.
The orchestra played its heart out.
The government is responsible for the welfare of its citizens.
Someone left his wallet on the bus.
The committee submitted its report.
Each participant received his certificate of completion.

Answer Key: (Example Answers)

Original Sentence	Rewritten Sentence	Intended Effect
Each teacher should prepare his lesson plans carefully.	Each teacher should	prepare their lesson plans carefully.	To be more inclusive and avoid gender bias.
The company is known for its innovative products.	The company is known for their innovative products.	To emphasize the people within the company who create the products.
A citizen has a responsibility to vote.	A citizen has a responsibility to cast their vote.	To use inclusive, gender-neutral language.
The team celebrated its championship win.	The team celebrated their championship win.	To highlight the individual contributions of each team member.
Every student needs to bring his own lunch.	Every student needs to bring their own lunch.	To avoid gender bias and be more inclusive.
The orchestra played its heart out.	The orchestra played their hearts out.	To emphasize the passion and effort of each musician.
The government is responsible for the welfare of its citizens.	The government is responsible for the welfare of their citizens.	To acknowledge the individual needs of each citizen.
Someone left his wallet on the bus.	Someone left their wallet on the bus.	To avoid assuming the gender of the person.
The committee submitted its report.	The committee submitted their report.	To recognize the contributions of each committee member.
Each participant received his certificate of completion.	Each participant received their certificate of completion.	To be gender-neutral and inclusive.

Advanced Topics

Beyond the basic types of pronoun disagreement, there are more nuanced and complex issues to consider. One such issue is the use of pronouns with collective nouns.

Collective nouns (e.g., “team,” “family,” “committee”) can be treated as either singular or plural, depending on the context. If the collective noun is acting as a single unit, it takes a singular pronoun.

If the focus is on the individual members of the group, it takes a plural pronoun.

Another advanced topic is the use of pronouns in formal vs. informal writing. While the singular ‘they’ is becoming increasingly accepted, it may still be considered inappropriate in some formal contexts.

In these situations, it may be necessary to rephrase the sentence or use “he or she” (although this can be clunky and less inclusive).

The intersection of pronoun usage and social justice is also an important consideration. Language is constantly evolving, and our understanding of gender and identity is becoming more nuanced.

As writers and speakers, we have a responsibility to use language that is respectful and inclusive. This may involve challenging traditional grammatical norms and embracing new forms of expression.

Finally, consider the role of dialect and regional variations in pronoun usage. What is considered correct in one region may be different in another.

Being aware of these variations and adapting your language accordingly can help you communicate more effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Mastering the art of antecedent opposites is about more than just grammar; it’s about understanding the nuances of language and using it effectively to communicate your intended message. While adhering to grammatical rules is essential for clarity, knowing when and how to intentionally break those rules can add depth, nuance, and inclusivity to your writing and speech.

By understanding the different types of pronoun disagreement, considering the context and audience, and being mindful of evolving language norms, you can confidently navigate the complex world of antecedent opposites and use them to enhance your communication skills.