Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[yoshi-pooh]

Hi, everyone!

Which pronoun would be better in the situation below?

(The techer is talking to a group of students in class.)

If there is anyone who has lost (their /your) textbook, jump out of the window.

Thanks

yoshi-pooh,

[Mister Micawber]

.
Of the two, their.
.
_________________
"I really do not know that anything has ever been more exciting than diagramming sentences." � Gertrude Stein
...............
Canadian-American who teaches English for a living at Mr Micawber's

[CP]

But since the teacher is speaking to everyone at once, the teacher can say:

"If you have lost your textbook, jump out the window."

This eliminates the choice between his, her, his / her, his or her, their, your, or whatever, and avoids switching from speaking in the third person ("if anyone") to the second person ("jump").

I hope your classroom is not too far above the ground.
_________________
You live a new life for every new language you speak. -Czech proverb

[zeh88]

i think so his or her would sound more correct. but picking out from the choices i think 'your'
_________________
go the last mile_ and enjoy it!

[yoshi-pooh]

Mister Micawber, CP, thanks for your replies.

So, what about the case below? Can you tell me which one is correct?

(The teacher is talking to a group of students.)

Who forgot (your/ their ) homework?

Thank you

yoshi-pooh

[lotus]

Hi yoshi-pooh,

All of these sound natural, though a bit harsh:


Did anyone forget their homework?

Who's forgotten their homework?

If you've forgotten your homework, you should think about jumping out the window!

Does everyone have their textbook?

Do all of you have your textbook?

Anyone who's forgotten their textbook should think about jumping out the window!

If you've lost your textbook, you might think about jumping out that window!


--lotus