Question #N582
The author of the novel is a well-known writer of fantasy and science fiction. They are known for their imaginative worlds and their complex characters.
Which choice best corrects the underlined portion of the sentence? It is a common error to use a plural pronoun when referring to a singular noun.
A. They are known for their imaginative worlds and their complex characters.
B. He or she is known for their imaginative worlds and their complex characters.
C. He or she is known for his or her imaginative worlds and his or her complex characters.
D. He is known for his imaginative worlds and his complex characters.
Correct Answer is: D
The singular pronoun "he" correctly agrees in number with the singular noun "author." Choice B is incorrect because it mixes singular and plural pronouns. Choice C is incorrect because it is wordy and awkward. Choice A is incorrect because "they" is plural and doesn't agree with "author."