16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsMediumPronoun number with a singular antecedent

Standard English Conventions practice question

Each applicant must bring ____ own copy of the form to the interview.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

  1. A. theirCorrect
  2. B. his
  3. C. its
  4. D. our

Answer: A. their

'Each applicant' takes the generic singular 'their' in current standard usage.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. his
'His' assumes every applicant is a man.
C. its
'Its' is for things.
D. our
'Our' shifts to the first person.

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