pronoun-antecedent agreement

Aloha, Shipmates!


Here we are again on Let's Talk Shop! Tonight I wanted to discuss pronouns and their antecedents. Wow, it's hard enough spelling antecedent. Anyway, this is one grammar issue I see that runs wild in our Navy writing.
What do we mean by pronoun-antecedent agreement? A pronoun and its antecedent must agree when both are singular or both are plural.
Here are some examples:
Collective Nouns: collective nouns identify a group, such as a jury, a committee, a team, etc. Typically, collective nouns take a singular pronouns.
For example:
WRONG ANSWER: X-division gave their recommendation for cleaning stations.
RIGHT ANSWER: X-division gave its recommendation for cleaning stations.
Other possible answer: Members of X-division gave their recommendations for cleaning stations.

What if you need to use a generic pronoun to identify someone?
For example:
- A DINFOS student must study hard if they want to succeed. CAN'T USE THIS ONE!
- A DINFOS student must study hard if he wants to succeed. CORRECT. Some may say this is sexist though. Your thoughts?
- Best way: DINFOS students must study hard if they want to succeed.


Well, that's it today. I hope everyone has a great weekend. Oh yeah, today's photo was taken by MC1 Michael Moriatis. Thanks, Shipmate.

Until next time. Write on!