Which pronoun best completes the sentence Every woman received __________ prize?
When you encounter a sentence like "Every woman received __________ prize," the question of which pronoun to use can sometimes cause a moment's pause. The key here is to understand how to ensure your sentence is both grammatically correct and inclusive. In modern American English, the goal is to be clear and avoid ambiguity while also respecting grammatical conventions.
Understanding the Subject: "Every Woman"
The phrase "Every woman" is a singular subject, even though it refers to multiple individuals. This is a common point of confusion. Think of it this way: you're considering each woman individually within the group. When we talk about "every student," "every employee," or "every attendee," we are referring to each person one at a time.
The Problem of Traditional Grammar and Modern Usage
Historically, traditional grammar often dictated using a singular masculine pronoun (like "his") when the gender of the singular subject was unknown or could be either male or female. However, this practice is now widely considered outdated, exclusionary, and inaccurate. In today's inclusive language landscape, we strive for neutrality and equal representation.
The Best Pronoun Choices
Given that "every woman" is singular, we need a singular pronoun to match. There are a few excellent options, depending on the nuance you wish to convey:
Option 1: "Her" - The Most Direct and Specific Choice
Since the sentence explicitly states "Every woman," the most natural and grammatically sound pronoun to complete the sentence is her. This is because "woman" is a feminine noun, and "her" is the corresponding singular possessive feminine pronoun.
Example: Every woman received her prize.
This option is precise, clear, and directly aligns with the subject of the sentence. It leaves no room for interpretation regarding who the prize belongs to.
Option 2: "Their" - The Singular "Their"
While traditionally "their" was considered plural, its use as a singular pronoun is now widely accepted and grammatically correct by most major style guides in American English. This is particularly useful when you want to maintain a more generalized phrasing or when the specific gender isn't the primary focus, though in this specific sentence, "her" is more direct.
Example: Every woman received their prize.
In this context, "their" functions as a singular, gender-neutral pronoun. It refers back to "every woman" as a singular entity, but with a nod to the collective nature of the group. It's a good choice for inclusivity when the gender might be mixed or you want to avoid repetition.
Option 3: Rephrasing for Clarity (Less Common for This Specific Sentence Structure)
In some cases, you might choose to rephrase the sentence to avoid the pronoun altogether. However, for this particular sentence structure, it often sounds more awkward than using the appropriate pronoun.
Example (less ideal): Each woman received a prize.
While grammatically correct, this slightly shifts the emphasis and might not be the intended meaning if you specifically want to highlight that each individual woman received her *own* prize.
Why "Her" is Often Preferred Here
In the sentence "Every woman received __________ prize," the word "woman" provides a clear feminine singular antecedent. Therefore, her is the most grammatically precise and direct pronoun to use. It specifically indicates that each woman received her own individual prize, aligning perfectly with the singular nature of "every woman."
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Using "his": This is grammatically incorrect when the subject is explicitly feminine ("woman") and exclusionary in general usage.
- Overthinking the "singular their": While "their" is acceptable as a singular pronoun, in a sentence where the subject is clearly feminine singular ("woman"), "her" is the most direct and unambiguous choice.
- Assuming "their" is always plural: Remember, the singular "their" is a valuable tool for gender neutrality when the antecedent is singular and its gender is unknown or mixed.
Conclusion
For the sentence "Every woman received __________ prize," the pronoun that best completes it, ensuring grammatical accuracy and clarity, is her. This choice directly reflects the singular, feminine nature of the subject, "every woman," and clearly indicates that each individual received her own prize.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I know if "their" can be used as a singular pronoun?
The singular "their" is commonly used when referring to a person whose gender is unknown or when you want to avoid specifying gender. For example, "A student should always do their best." It's also used for non-binary individuals who use "they/them" pronouns. Most major style guides, like the Associated Press Stylebook and the Chicago Manual of Style, now accept its singular use.
Why is "every woman" considered singular?
"Every" is a determiner that signals each individual item or person in a group is being considered separately. Even though it refers to multiple women, the grammatical construction treats each woman as a distinct unit, hence requiring a singular pronoun to agree with it.
Is it ever okay to use "his" in this type of sentence?
No, it is not appropriate to use "his" in the sentence "Every woman received __________ prize." The subject is explicitly feminine ("woman"), making "his" grammatically incorrect and exclusionary. Modern English emphasizes gender-inclusive language.
What if the sentence was "Every person received __________ prize"?
If the sentence were "Every person received __________ prize," then "their" would be the most appropriate pronoun. "Person" is gender-neutral, and using the singular "their" is the most inclusive and grammatically sound choice to refer to each individual person without assuming their gender.
