antecedent

Everyday

1. An antecedent is something that came before something else and led to it. tree →
2. (grammar) An antecedent is the noun or phrase that a pronoun refers back to: in «Sam lost his hat», «Sam» is the antecedent of «his». tree →
3. (plural, formal) Your antecedents are your ancestors or family background. tree →
4. (formal adjective) Antecedent means coming before. tree →

In the lessons

Used in English grammar lessons (pronouns and their antecedents), history (antecedents of a war) and formal writing.

Examples

• In «The dog wagged its tail», «dog» is the antecedent of «its». tree →
• Make sure every pronoun has a clear antecedent. tree →
• The bicycle's antecedent was a wooden walking machine. tree →
• The causes antecedent to the war were complicated. tree →
• His antecedents came from Ireland. tree →
• The penny-farthing was an antecedent of the modern bike. tree →

Note

Formal word. Pronounced an-tih-SEE-dent. Opposite idea: «consequence» or «successor». In grammar, an unclear antecedent confuses readers: «Tom told Ben he was late» — who was late?

In Jewish tradition

Used in English grammar lessons (pronouns and their antecedents), history (antecedents of a war) and formal writing.

Note

Formal word. Pronounced an-tih-SEE-dent. Opposite idea: «consequence» or «successor». In grammar, an unclear antecedent confuses readers: «Tom told Ben he was late» — who was late?