AP Style #3: Pronouns

Pronoun confusion

• When you listen to the music of early rock bands, you can hear the influence of the blues in their guitar melodies.

• When you listen to the music of early rock bands, one can hear the influence of the blues in their guitar melodies.

Plural vs. Singular

• Public safety groups are concerned about the injuries an airbag can cause from the force with which they are deployed.

• Public safety groups are concerned about the injuries an airbag can cause from the force with which it is deployed.

Who vs. whom

• Many of the people who went to our annual holiday party last year have decided not to go this year.

• Many of the people whom went to our annual holiday party last year have decided not to go this year.

Possessives

• Some paleontologists believe the Tyrannosaurus was a scavenger, eating animals that were already dead rather than hunting it’s own prey.

• Some paleontologists believe the Tyrannosaurus was a scavenger, eating animals that were already dead rather than hunting its own prey.

They're/their/there

• Although they’re still experiencing financial difficulties, the investment firm has shown significant growth in the past year.

• Although there still experiencing financial difficulties, the investment firm has shown significant growth in the past year.

"Who" vs. "whom"

• The proposed new contract provides higher wages for employees who have worked at the company for over three years.

• The proposed new contract provides higher wages for employees whom has worked at the company for over three years.

Singular vs. plural

• Because of their magnificent plumage and exotic origins, peacocks were often kept in European gardens to flaunt the wealth of the king.

• Because of its magnificent plumage and exotic origins, peacocks were often kept in European gardens to flaunt the wealth of the king.

"She" vs. "her"

• Ebony got an extension on the report that her and her lab partner should have finished by today.

• Ebony got an extension on the report that she and her lab partner should have finished by today.

"Who" vs. "who's" vs. "whose"

• An architect has designed a new skyscraper who’s top floors house giant wind turbines that generate much of the building’s power.

• An architect has designed a new skyscraper whose top floors house giant wind turbines that generate much of the building’s power.

"Their" vs. "his or her"

• In the event of a fire drill, employees must immediately evacuate the building and should not return to their desk until the alarm stops.

• In the event of a fire drill, employees must immediately evacuate the building and should not return to his or her desk until the alarm stops.