How to Write Great Essays

P
A R T S O F
S
P E E C H
Some parts of speech are more difficult than others. Following are the four most challeng-
ing ones as they pertain to your essay: pronouns, adjectives, adverbs, and prepositions, with
usage explanations and examples.
If you feel your writing would benefit from a more in-depth review of grammar, check
the resources at the end of this book for websites and books that contain grammar lessons,
practice exercises, and quizzes to reinforce the material.
C H A P T E R
Mechanics
4
4
Mechanics
CHAPTER 4 
HOW TO WRITE GREAT ESSAYS

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HOW TO WRITE GREAT ESSAYS
CHAPTER 4
Mechanics
40
PRONOUNS
Pronouns refer back to or take the place of nouns. They should:
1.
Agree in number
A singular pronoun must be used for a singular noun.
Incorrect:
If
the student
passes this course,
they
will graduate.
Correct:
If
the student
passes this course,
she
will graduate.
2.
Agree in person
Do not switch back and forth in your writing from the first person (
I
) to the sec-
ond (
you
) or third (
he, she, they, it
).
First person pronouns:
I, me, we, us
Second:
you
Third:
he, she, him, her, they, them
Incorrect:
When 
a person
comes to class,
you
should have your homework
ready.
Correct:
When 
a person
comes to class,
he
should have his homework ready.
3.