Parts of Speech
Pronouns
Use a pronoun only when the reader already knows what it refers to.
Why this happens
Pronoun mistakes happen when the reader cannot tell who she, they, or it refers to, or when the form does not match the antecedent in number and case. Exam essays often shift person mid-paragraph (one... you) or use they for a single named person inconsistently. Clear pronouns keep arguments tight and stop markers from rereading sentences to find the subject.
See it in a sentence
IncorrectWhen Sarah met Emma, she looked nervous.
CorrectWhen Sarah met Emma, Sarah looked nervous — or Emma looked nervous.
Teaching note: She could mean either person; repeat the name or rephrase so the referent is obvious.
IncorrectEach student must hand in their essay by Friday.
CorrectEach student must hand in his or her essay by Friday — or All students must hand in their essays by Friday.
Teaching note: Each is singular; their is widely accepted but can be flagged in very formal exams — pick a consistent solution.
IncorrectThe report and it appendix were missing.
CorrectThe report and its appendix were missing.
Teaching note: Its shows possession; it is only for it is or it has.
More examples
Who did you give the folder to? — Whom did you give the folder to?
In formal writing, whom is the object form; in speech, who is common after prepositions in informal contexts.
The team won its match, and they celebrated in the locker room.
Collective nouns: its treats the team as one unit; they emphasises individuals — stay consistent within a passage.
Neither of the options works on their own.
Neither is singular — use its own, not their own, in strict formal usage.
It was the manager who approved it, not me.
After who/that clauses, the pronoun it still refers back clearly — avoid stacking vague it forms in one sentence.
Quick check
Between you and I, the results were surprising.
Show the fix
Between you and me, the results were surprising. After the preposition between, use the object form me, not I.
Practice this topic in Wrytesmart
Open the grammar workspace to complete interactive exercises for pronouns. You will spot errors, fill blanks, and transform sentences — always with teaching notes that explain the principle, not just the correction.
Master pronouns in context
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