Antecedent — English definition
Defined in 2 courses:
- The noun that a pronoun refers back to (in 'Maria packed her lunch,' Maria is the antecedent of 'her'). (English 6)
- The noun a pronoun refers back to; clear writing keeps every pronoun's antecedent obvious and in agreement with it in number. (English 12: Complex Texts, Independent Inquiry & Public Voice)
Where it is taught
- Grammar & Sentence Structure — Language & Vocabulary, English 6, Grade 6
- Conventions for College Writing — Language, Style & Conventions, English 12: Complex Texts, Independent Inquiry & Public Voice, Grade 12
In use
A pronoun only works if the reader can tell exactly which noun it replaces — that noun is called its antecedent.
Grammar & Sentence Structure
' And pronoun-antecedent problems — a pronoun that disagrees with or vaguely refers to its noun, especially a floating 'this' or 'it' with no clear antecedent — quietly blur meaning.
Conventions for College Writing