Why replacing 'them' with 'it' can improve pronoun clarity in a singular, non-human context

Pronouns are tiny words with big opinions. In the heat of writing, a single “them” can creep into a sentence and make the whole line feel off. For readers, that tiny mismatch disrupts flow more than you’d expect. If you’re navigating the PACT writing test or just trying to sharpen clarity in everyday essays, here’s a straightforward way to think about replacing “them” with the right pronoun.

The quick answer (and why it matters)

Question: What term should replace "them" in the context of pronoun usage?

A. They

B. It

C. He

D. We

Answer: B. It

Why that’s the right move is simple once you map the antecedent (the word that comes before and to whom the pronoun refers). “Them” is a plural third-person pronoun. If the noun you’re talking about is singular and non-human, “it” is the clean, precise substitute. In other words, if you’re pointing to one object or concept that doesn’t have gender, use “it” to maintain clarity without bogging the sentence down in extra words or mismatched numbers.

Let me explain with a couple of concrete pictures. Imagine you’re writing about a policy, a gadget, or a single idea. You wouldn’t switch to a plural noun midstream unless you mean to refer to multiple items. So, when you want one thing to carry the sentence forward, “it” is your reliable companion. If you’re describing a group, a person, or something that genuinely comes in plural, then “they” or “them” would be on target. The key is alignment: make sure the pronoun matches the creature in your sentence—not just the shape of the sentence you wish to carve out.

A quick tour of the pronoun landscape

To keep things tidy, here’s a quick map of common choices and when they fit.

• It: Singular, non-human or abstract. Think objects, ideas, or a single policy. Example: “The brochure is on the table. It is missing its cover.” Here, the brochure is a single item, so “it” sounds natural and precise.

• They/Them: Plural. If you’re talking about more than one person or thing, these are your go-tos. Example: “The devices aren’t working. They need updates.” If you’ve got a cluster of gadgets, “they” nails the plural.

• He/She: Singular with gender reference. Use when you know the gender of the antecedent and want to specify it. Example: “The guide announced its rules, and he nodded.” In many contexts, you’ll avoid gendered pronouns unless the antecedent gender is clear and relevant.

• We: First-person plural. When the speaker includes themselves with others. Example: “The team will present its findings. We will share them tomorrow.” Use carefully; it can broaden perspective but also blur who is responsible.

In practice, the choice hinges on two things: number (singular vs. plural) and what the antecedent actually is (a person, a thing, an idea). In the PACT writing landscape, readers appreciate sentences that move with confidence, where pronouns do not stumble over mismatched numbers or unclear targets.

Tiny edits that make a big difference

It’s amazing how small swaps tidy a paragraph. Here are a few micro-scenarios you’ll encounter in everyday writing—and how to handle them gracefully.

• Scenario 1: A single object

Original: “The book is on the shelf. Them is old and tattered.”

Revision: “The book is on the shelf. It is old and tattered.”

Why it works: The antecedent “book” is singular; “it” keeps the sentence lean and precise.

• Scenario 2: A single concept

Original: “The concept has many flaws. Them will crush the argument.”

Revision: “The concept has many flaws. It will crush the argument.”

Why it works: “Concept” is treated as a single idea, so “it” communicates that clearly.

• Scenario 3: A collection that isn’t clearly plural

Original: “The dataset includes multiple entries; them are inconsistent.”

Revision: “The dataset includes multiple entries; they are inconsistent.” or, if you’re treating the dataset as a single unit: “The dataset includes multiple entries; it is inconsistent.”

Why it works: Data can be plural or treated as a singular unit depending on the style and the point you’re making. If you intend plural, keep “they”; if you’re referencing the data as a single body, use “it.”

• Scenario 4: When in doubt, simplify

Original: “The policy changed, and them will affect everyone.”

Revision: “The policy changed. It will affect everyone.”

Why it works: Splitting into two sentences can remove ambiguity and tighten rhythm.

A note on a tricky corner: singular “data”

You’ll sometimes see “data” treated as plural (so “they” or “them” would be natural). In more modern, fluid writing, many authors use “data” as a singular mass noun and pair it with “it.” If you’re writing for a particular field, check the preferred convention. In the PACT context, leaning toward clear, unambiguous usage helps a lot, so pick one path and stay consistent.

Putting this into your writing routine

Pronoun matching is a habit. Here are easy checkpoints to keep in mind as you draft:

• Identify the main noun early. If you find yourself reaching for “them,” pause and ask: is the antecedent singular or plural?

• Read aloud. If a sentence sounds odd or clunky, it might be because the pronoun doesn’t agree in number or doesn’t point clearly to a single referent.

• Favor the simplest path. If a single “it” does the job, use it. If you truly mean multiple items, go with “they” or “them.”

• Don’t overthink gender unless it’s meaningful. If gender isn’t essential, avoid gendered pronouns; let the noun’s number do the steering.

• Keep paragraphs cohesive. A stray pronoun can yank a reader’s attention away. Consistency is a confidence boost for any reader.

Relating to real-world writing tasks

In everyday writing—whether you’re crafting a report, a memo, or a short analysis—the pronoun you choose shapes how readers perceive your confidence and precision. The PACT writing style values clarity, directness, and a sense that sentences are built with care. When you replace “them” with “it” in the right place, you reduce ambiguity. Readers glide through your point without stumbling over a pronoun that feels like it’s not sure which noun it belongs to.

A few practical pointers you can apply right away

• Build sentences around a single, clear noun whenever possible. If you can recast a sentence so that the pronoun has a clear singular referent, do it.

• Avoid unnecessary pronoun afterthoughts. If the sentence becomes cluttered by a long chain of pronouns, consider rewriting to bring the antecedent back into focus.

• Use pronouns as a bridge, not a puzzle. The job of a pronoun is to replace something repetitive, not to create a riddle that slows the reader down.

• When you’re translating spoken language to written form, keep in mind that oral speech is more forgiving with pronouns. Written English rewards explicitness, especially in concise, test-like contexts.

A tiny exercise to test your intuition

Try these quick rewrites. See if you can spot the moment where “them” should be swapped for “it” or for a plural form.

• Original: The gadget was introduced last quarter. Them will be sold at a discount.

• Revision: The gadget was introduced last quarter. It will be sold at a discount.

• Original: The policy affects every customer; them should receive a notification.

• Revision: The policy affects every customer. They should receive a notification.

• Alternative (if you treat the policy as a singular concept): The policy affects every customer. It should receive a notification.

• Original: The dataset were updated; them provide new insights.

• Revision: The dataset was updated; it provides new insights. (or: The dataset were updated; they provide new insights, if you’re intentionally treating data as plural.)

These tiny edits illustrate a broader rule: let the anchor noun dictate the pronoun, and tiny changes yield big readability dividends.

A closing thought—the rhythm of clear writing

Pronoun usage isn’t just a grammatical checkbox. It’s a lever for rhythm, pace, and reader trust. When you choose “it” for a single non-human referent, you signal decisiveness. When “they” or “them” is the right fit, you acknowledge plurality without stretching the sentence to awkward lengths. For anyone working with PACT-style writing, this attention to pronoun alignment translates into more persuasive, clearer communication.

If you’re hungry for more practical guidance, consider consulting reputable style guides or grammar resources. The Purdue Online Writing Lab, Chicago Manual of Style snippets, and contemporary usage notes offer gentle, reliable guidance. They’re not about rules for rules’ sake; they’re about giving readers a seamless path from sentence to idea.

In the end, the goal is straightforward: help your sentences carry their ideas with as little friction as possible. The word you pick next to “them” can be the difference between a sentence that glides and one that trips. When you reach for “it” in a singular non-human moment, you’re choosing clarity. And that choice often sets the tone for the entire paragraph.

Takeaway

• “Them” is plural. If the antecedent is singular and non-human, swap in “it.”

• If you truly mean more than one item, use “they” or “them.”

• Pay attention to the anchor noun, keep numbers in agreement, and read your sentences aloud to catch mismatches.

• Practice small edits, and you’ll see bigger gains in the readability and polish of your PACT-style writing.

If you’d like, I can tailor a few more examples to your typical writing topics—anything from product notes to policy briefs—to help you see how the rule applies across different contexts. After all, a little precision goes a long way in making your ideas feel immediate and credible.