The noun or noun phrase that a pronoun refers to.
Here's a breakdown:
* Pronoun: A word that replaces a noun (e.g., he, she, it, they, this, that).
* Antecedent: The word or phrase that the pronoun refers back to.
Example:
* The dog wagged its tail.
* Pronoun: its
* Antecedent: dog
Why is it important?
Understanding pronoun antecedents is crucial for clear and accurate writing. A pronoun must have a clear and identifiable antecedent to avoid confusion.
For example:
* Incorrect: The cat chased the mouse, and it ran away. (Who ran away, the cat or the mouse?)
* Correct: The cat chased the mouse, and the mouse ran away.
By identifying the antecedent, you ensure that the meaning of the sentence is clear and unambiguous.