Writing Shifts in Pronouns

Select the sentence avoids a shift in pronoun usage.

• Painters often have extra paints and brushes on hand in their studio.
• Painters often have extra paints and brushes on hand in his or her studio.
• Painters often have extra paints and brushes on hand in our studio. 

The pronoun is INCORRECT. Replace it with the correct pronoun.

The exhibit was on butterflies, and they included a film.

• hers

• it

• its

• he

We were starving but decided to make the long drive home because the choices at the food court would have poisoned you.

• us

• her

• them

• No change is necessary.

Which sentence is an example of pronoun shift?

• If you miss the bus, you will have to walk.
• When we found the dog, we were so happy that he was okay.
• When I finally arrived, I was so relieved.
• A pilot's life is interesting because they get to travel the world.

Mrs. Marshall's students won the reading contest. ________ read more books than any other class in the sixth grade.

• Their
• Her
• They
• I

When Tiffany went ice skating, ______ fell and twisted her ankle.

• she
• her
• my
• we

Which sentence is an example of pronoun shift?

• Students were told that you need a set of markers to complete the poster.
• The bikers were told that they could use the trail.
• The kindergartners explained that they wanted to play outside.
• The boaters docked their boats at Holiday Marina. 

His or her is a ________ pronoun.

• singular

• plural

Some is a ______ pronoun.

• Singular

• Plural

Kyle and Leah was late to the party, even though she got dressed early.

• Kyle and Leah was late to the party, even though he got dressed early.

• Kyle and Leah was late to the party, even though their got dressed early.

• Kyle and Leah was late to the party, even though they got dressed early.

• No change is necessary.