How Does Pronoun Agreement Work in Formal Writing? (C2 Exercises)

Traditional formal English uses his or her for singular indefinite subjects with unspecified gender, as in each student must submit his or her essay. Singular their has become an accepted, increasingly preferred alternative, as in each student must submit their essay, and rewriting in the plural sidesteps the issue entirely.

Grammar Rule

Traditional formal English uses his or her for singular indefinite subjects with unspecified gender. Singular their has become an accepted, increasingly preferred alternative, more concise and inclusive. A third strategy is to rewrite the sentence in the plural to sidestep the issue entirely. Never combine both strategies in the same phrase.

Pronoun Agreement in Formal Writing: Rules and Examples

Remember: His or her is traditional and slightly more formal; singular their is now widely accepted and more concise — rewriting in the plural avoids the choice altogether.

Practice Test

Instructions

Answer each question in the test below using pronoun agreement correctly in formal writing. You will get a new random set of questions every time you retake the test, plus a downloadable results summary with your name and score at the end.