Definition
The most important pronoun rule is that every pronoun must have a clear and explicit antecedent. Therefore, before you can begin learning how to use pronouns effectively, you need clear definitions of pronouns and antecedents.
Pronoun
A pronoun is a word that takes the place of a noun and functions as a noun does. Therefore, a pronoun may be substituted for any noun. Pronouns can be of several types including the personal pronouns (I, you, me, she, he, they); indefinite (somebody, anyone); reflexive (myself, himself, themselves); and possessive (his, theirs, ours).Every pronoun must have a clear, explicit antecedent.
Antecedent
An antecedent is a noun or a noun phrase to which a pronoun refers. Although an antecedent may occasionally follow the pronoun, most antecedents precede the pronoun. All pronouns must match--or agree with--their antecedents in number, person, and gender.
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