Let’s go through each sentence in Exercise A and B step by step. We’re looking for pronouns that match the number (singular or plural) and gender of their antecedents — especially when two people are joined by “or,” “nor,” “and,” etc.
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Exercise A: Underline the correct pronoun
1. Neither Mr. Smith nor Ms. Macelli reached
her classroom on time.
→ When using “neither...nor,” the pronoun agrees with the closer subject. “Ms. Macelli” is female → use “her.”
2. Ants and flies found
their way to our picnic.
→ “Ants and flies” = plural → use “their.”
3. Either Shari or April will give
her oral report next.
→ “Either...or” → agree with closer subject. “April” is female → “her.”
4. Both Shelley and Stella promised to bring
their cameras.
→ “Both...and” = always plural → “their.”
5. Did Martin or Jorge volunteer
his time to the tutoring program?
→ “Or” → agree with closer subject. “Jorge” is male → “his.”
6. Neither Paul nor Bonnie was surprised by
her exam grades.
→ “Neither...nor” → closer subject is “Bonnie” (female) → “her.”
7. Mom and Dad called and said
they are picking up pizza for us.
→ Two people = plural → “they.”
8. A squirrel or a bird must have found
its way into my berry patch.
→ “A squirrel or a bird” = singular animals → “its.”
9. The band members and the fans cheered
their team.
→ Plural group → “their.”
10. Will Thea or Sandra bring
her flute?
→ “Or” → closer subject is “Sandra” (female) → “her.”
11. Neither Jared nor Jill wants
his or her picture on the poster.
→ “Neither...nor” → one male, one female → use “his or her” to cover both.
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Exercise B: Fill in the blank with correct pronoun(s)
12. Patricia and Parker took
their younger brother to the park.
→ Two people = plural → “their.”
13. Neither Cheryl nor Gary finished
his sculpture.
→ “Neither...nor” → closer subject is “Gary” (male) → “his.”
14. Monty and Ty promised that
they would lead the discussion.
→ Two males = plural → “they.”
15. Natalie or Tahitha will tell
her concerns to the principal.
→ “Or” → closer subject is “Tahitha” (female) → “her.”
16. Leo and Penny said that
they will be here by noon.
→ Two people = plural → “they.”
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Final Answer:
Exercise A:
1. her
2. their
3. her
4. their
5. his
6. her
7. they
8. its
9. their
10. her
11. his or her
Exercise B:
12. their
13. his
14. they
15. her
16. they
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of pronouns and antecedents worksheet answers.
