Find error in this sentence?

Question

Every person in the store ran to claim their free ice cream when the bonus prize was announced over the loudspeaker.

I am studying College Composition and found this practice question, which asks me to find the error. Each of the bold sections are possible errors in the sentence. The answer key states that "their" is the error, but I don't understand why.

Does the answer key give what the 'correct' version should be? — KillingTime, Nov 04 '21 at 17:46
Pretty sure the answer given is their — The outdated rule Every... his/her... — user405662, Nov 04 '21 at 17:52

score 0 · Answer 1 · answered Nov 04 '21 at 18:05

0

Only relatively recently has their been accepted as a singular pronoun. (It still isn't everywhere.) If you assume that their is plural, then it would be incorrect, since "every person" requires a singular pronoun.

They are probably expecting his or her instead of their in this context.

answered Nov 04 '21 at 18:05

GentlePurpleRain

1,206

Please watch/check for duplicates before answering. – Edwin Ashworth Nov 04 '21 at 19:08

Find error in this sentence?

1 Answers1