General Rules:

  • A pronoun is a word — such as I, you, he, she, it, they, etc. — that takes the place of a previously named, or otherwise understood, noun or noun phrase (the antecedent).
  • Pronouns must have a clear antecedent to avoid confusion.
  • Avoid excessive use of pronouns when the subject, object or possessive case is well-established.


Gendered Pronouns


Rule: When using personal pronouns to refer back to an ambiguous person, please pick either “he” or “she,” and stick with it throughout the entire article. Do not use "he or she" or "they."

  • Correct: When working with your HR representative, make sure to write her frequently.
  • Incorrect: A new HR representative should prepare for issues he or she does not expect.

  • Incorrect: A new HR representative should prepare for issues they do not expect. 


Possessive Pronouns and Following Nouns


Rule: Nouns following the possessive pronoun "their" must use the appropriate singular/plural format.


Rule: If those represented by “their” share the noun, use the singular form; otherwise, use the plural form.

  • Correct: Humans share the responsibility of caring for their planet. (All humans share a planet, so the singular form is appropriate.)
  • Incorrect: Many people in the path of the hurricane lost their home. (Unless the victims were all in the same family, it is safe to assume many “homes” were involved, not just one.)


Pronouns Referring to Animals


Rule: Do not apply a personal pronoun to an animal unless its sex has been established or the animal has a name.

  • Example: The cat was alarmed; it hissed. 
  • Example: Rover was alarmed; he growled.


Pronouns With Collective Nouns


Rule: Collective nouns are singular, so they require singular pronouns. Use its, not their.

  • Correct: The company sends its well wishes.
  • Incorrect: The company sends their well wishes.


Pronoun/Antecedent Agreement


Rule: To keep pronouns and antecedents in agreement, pronouns must match their antecedents in number. As a general rule, singular antecedents take singular pronouns, and plural antecedents take plural pronouns.

  • Correct: The seats for the hockey game are expensive because they're so close to the ice.
  • Incorrect: The seats for the hockey game are expensive because it's so close to the ice. 


Pronouns and Point of View


The three main points of view are first person, second person and third person.

  • First person – Never use first person unless it is within a direct quotation or is specifically required for a business website. 
    • I, me, we, our and us
  • Second person – Second person is permissible in more informal pieces of content where directly addressing readers is necessary.
    • You
  • Third person – Third person is the preferred point of view. It helps keep information more neutral and keeps writing more professional.
    • She, he, it and they