Advanced Placement (AP) English Literature Practice Exam 2026 - Free AP English Literature Practice Questions and Study Guide

Question: 1 / 400

What does the term "antecedent" refer to in relation to pronouns?

The reason behind a character's actions

The word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun

The term "antecedent" refers specifically to the word, phrase, or clause that a pronoun replaces or refers to in a sentence. This relationship is critical in understanding the structure and clarity of sentences. For example, in the sentence "Lucy lost her book," the word “her” is a pronoun that refers back to "Lucy," making "Lucy" the antecedent. Recognizing the antecedent helps readers understand which noun a pronoun is replacing, ensuring clear communication in writing. This understanding is essential for parsing complex sentences and maintaining coherence in narrative and descriptive language.

Get further explanation with Examzify DeepDiveBeta

The emotional tone of a piece of writing

The main idea in a paragraph

Next Question

Report this question

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy