A pronoun is closely related to the noun it replaces. The noun that the pronoun takes the place of has a special name. It is called the antecedent. **An antecedent is the noun (or group of words acting as a noun) for which a pronoun stands.
**Latin prefix "ante" means "before" and most antecedents do come before the pronouns that take their
place.
Example: My father opened his present first. He felt he couldn't wait any longer.
The astronauts described how they opened their capsule.
Father is the antecedent. His, he, and he are the pronouns.
Astronauts is the antecedent. They, and their are the pronouns.
Sometimes a pronoun will have no definite antecedent. Ex: Who will represent the class in the student council?
In the following sentences underline the pronouns and circle the antecedent.
1. Ted tried to explain why he didn't phone.
2. Will the treasurer giver her report?
3. Although the apples were red, they tasted sour.
4. If they arrive in time, the boys will do the work.
***5. Baking cookies for the party is not a good idea. It takes too much time.
6. As the steamboat rounded the bend, black smoke poured from its smokestack.