NYSTCE English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Practice Test

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In grammar, what does 'antecedent' refer to?

  1. The pronoun itself

  2. The supporting clause

  3. The noun a pronoun replaces

  4. The verb in the sentence

The correct answer is: The noun a pronoun replaces

The term 'antecedent' specifically refers to the noun that a pronoun replaces or refers to in a sentence. For example, in the sentence "Lisa lost her keys," 'Lisa' is the antecedent of the pronoun 'her.' The relationship between an antecedent and its pronoun is fundamental in understanding how language functions in terms of cohesion and clarity. Recognizing the antecedent helps ensure that pronouns are used correctly and that their referents are clear to the reader or listener. This concept is essential for both writing and comprehension, especially in complex sentences where multiple nouns and pronouns might be present.