Identify The Correct Possessive Pronoun For The Antecedent Everybody.

The English language, with its nuances and complexities, often presents challenges even to native speakers. One such challenge lies in the proper use of pronouns, especially possessive pronouns, when referring to indefinite pronouns like "everybody." While it might seem straightforward, the rules governing pronoun-antecedent agreement can be tricky. In this article, we will delve into the correct possessive pronoun to use with the antecedent "everybody," exploring the grammatical rules, common pitfalls, and providing examples to ensure clarity and accuracy in your writing.

Understanding Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement

Pronoun-antecedent agreement is a fundamental grammatical rule stating that a pronoun must agree in number (singular or plural) and gender (masculine, feminine, or neutral) with its antecedent (the noun or pronoun to which it refers). This agreement ensures clarity and coherence in writing. For instance, in the sentence "The dog wagged its tail," "dog" is the antecedent, and "its" is the pronoun that agrees with it in number (singular) and gender (neutral).

The Case of Indefinite Pronouns

Indefinite pronouns are those that do not refer to a specific person, place, or thing. Examples include "everyone," "someone," "nobody," "anybody," and, importantly, "everybody." These pronouns often cause confusion because, while they refer to a group of people, they are grammatically singular. This singularity is the crux of the issue when determining the correct possessive pronoun.

The Correct Possessive Pronoun: A Traditional Approach

Traditionally, the correct possessive pronoun to use with "everybody" is his. This is because, in the absence of specific gender information, English grammar defaulted to the masculine pronoun as the generic form. Therefore, sentences like "Everybody should bring his own lunch" were grammatically correct according to traditional rules.

Example:

• "Everybody needs to complete his assignment by Friday."

However, this usage has become increasingly controversial due to its inherent gender bias. Using "his" as the default generic pronoun excludes or marginalizes individuals who do not identify as male.

The Rise of Gender-Neutral Language

In response to growing awareness of gender inclusivity, language has evolved to become more neutral and respectful. This evolution has significantly impacted the way we approach pronoun-antecedent agreement with indefinite pronouns.

Option 1: Using "His or Her"

One of the earliest and most common attempts to address the gender bias of "his" was to use the compound pronoun "his or her." This option acknowledges both male and female genders, providing a more inclusive alternative.

Example:

• "Everybody should bring his or her own lunch."
• "Everybody needs to complete his or her assignment by Friday."

While "his or her" is more inclusive than simply using "his," it can become cumbersome and repetitive, especially when used frequently in a text. It can also sound awkward and disrupt the flow of writing.

Option 2: Using "Their" (Singular They)

The most widely accepted and increasingly common solution is to use the singular "they" as a gender-neutral pronoun. The use of "they" as a singular pronoun has a long history in the English language, predating its more recent adoption as a non-binary pronoun. In this context, "they" refers to a single person whose gender is unknown, irrelevant, or non-binary.

Example:

• "Everybody should bring their own lunch."
• "Everybody needs to complete their assignment by Friday."

Using "their" with "everybody" avoids gender bias, is concise, and aligns with contemporary usage. Major style guides, such as the Associated Press (AP) Stylebook and the Chicago Manual of Style, now recognize and endorse the use of singular "they."

Why "Their" Works: A Grammatical Perspective

Despite initial resistance from some grammarians, the use of singular "they" is grammatically sound and functionally effective. Here's why:

1. Historical Precedent: Singular "they" has been used in English for centuries, often in cases where the gender of the person is unknown or irrelevant.
2. Clarity and Comprehension: In most contexts, the meaning of singular "they" is clear, and it does not cause confusion for readers.
3. Agreement in Meaning: While "everybody" is grammatically singular, it refers to a group of people. Therefore, using "their" aligns with the collective sense of the word.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Even with the widespread acceptance of singular "they," some writers still struggle with pronoun-antecedent agreement. Here are some common pitfalls and strategies to avoid them:

1. Mixing Singular and Plural Pronouns: Ensure consistency in pronoun usage. Avoid switching between singular and plural pronouns when referring to the same antecedent.

   Incorrect: "Everybody should bring their lunch, and he should also bring a drink."

   Correct: "Everybody should bring their lunch, and they should also bring a drink."

2. Awkward Phrasing with "His or Her": If "his or her" feels clunky, consider rephrasing the sentence or using singular "they."

   Awkward: "Everybody needs to ensure his or her safety."

   Better: "Everybody needs to ensure their safety."

   Even Better: "All participants need to ensure their safety."

3. Resistance to Singular "They": Some writers may be hesitant to use singular "they" due to traditional grammatical rules. However, it is essential to recognize that language evolves, and singular "they" is now widely accepted.

Examples of Correct Usage

To further illustrate the correct usage of possessive pronouns with "everybody," here are more examples:

• "Everybody is responsible for their own actions."
• "If everybody does their part, we can achieve our goals."
• "Everybody deserves to have their voice heard."
• "Everybody should check their email regularly for updates."
• "Everybody has the right to express their opinion."

When to Use Alternatives

While singular "they" is generally the best option, there are situations where alternative approaches may be more appropriate:

1. When Gender is Known: If the gender of the individuals in question is known, use the appropriate pronoun (he, she, his, her).

   Example: "The team consists of five women. Everybody on the team should bring her own equipment."

2. When Referring to Specific Individuals: If you are referring to specific individuals with known gender identities, use their preferred pronouns.

3. When Rewording is Possible: Sometimes, the best solution is to reword the sentence to avoid the need for a possessive pronoun altogether.

   Original: "Everybody should bring their own lunch."

   Reworded: "All participants should bring their own lunches." (Here, "participants" replaces "everybody" and allows for the use of "their" without the singular "they" issue.)

The Importance of Context

The choice of possessive pronoun can also depend on the context of the writing. In formal or academic writing, it is generally advisable to use singular "they" or reword the sentence to avoid any potential ambiguity. In informal settings, the use of "his or her" may be acceptable, but it is still preferable to use singular "they" for inclusivity.

Addressing Concerns and Misconceptions

Some common concerns and misconceptions about using singular "they" include:

1. It's Grammatically Incorrect: As discussed, singular "they" has a long history and is now widely accepted by grammarians and style guides.
2. It's Confusing: In most contexts, the meaning of singular "they" is clear and does not cause confusion.
3. It's Only for Non-Binary Individuals: While singular "they" is often used to refer to non-binary individuals, it is also appropriate when the gender of the person is unknown or irrelevant.

The Future of Pronoun Usage

As societal attitudes towards gender and identity continue to evolve, so too will language. The use of singular "they" is likely to become even more widespread, and new pronouns may emerge to reflect the diversity of human experience. It is essential for writers to stay informed about these changes and to use language that is respectful, inclusive, and accurate.

Practical Exercises

To reinforce your understanding of pronoun-antecedent agreement with "everybody," try the following exercises:

1. Rewrite the following sentences using singular "they":

   • "Everybody needs to bring his textbook to class."
   • "Everybody is responsible for his own actions."
   • "Everybody should check his email regularly."

2. Rewrite the following sentences to avoid the use of possessive pronouns:

   • "Everybody should bring their own lunch."
   • "Everybody needs to ensure his or her safety."

3. Identify the correct possessive pronoun in the following sentences:

   • "Everybody has the right to express (his/her/their) opinion."
   • "If everybody does (his/her/their) part, we can achieve our goals."

Conclusion

Choosing the correct possessive pronoun for the antecedent "everybody" requires careful consideration of grammatical rules, gender inclusivity, and contemporary usage. While traditionally "his" was considered correct, the modern approach favors the use of singular "they" as a gender-neutral and inclusive alternative. By understanding the nuances of pronoun-antecedent agreement and staying informed about evolving language norms, writers can ensure clarity, accuracy, and respect in their communication. Ultimately, the goal is to use language that reflects the diversity and inclusivity of the world around us. The evolution of language is a continuous process, and embracing these changes leads to more effective and respectful communication.