what is an antecedent?

Answer 1

An antecedent is a "preceding condition, phrase or word." It may pertain to a variety of things, including logic, math, behavioral science, music, criminal cases or grammar.

In grammar, an antecedent is primarily that (a noun, noun phrase, or clause) to which a pronoun refers. An example:

"I met *Lynne* yesterday, and *she* told me about *her* accident."

The pronouns "she" and "her" refer to "Lynne," the antecedent. And one example of a phrase:

"Apparently *Scott denied everything*."
"Yes, *it's* true."

In this case, the "it" replaces the fact that "Scott denied everything." It's important to understand how this works with phrases and clauses too! :)

Answer 2

The conducter described the songs we would play. She wanted us to memorize them.( She and them are pronouns. They refer to conduct or and songs we would play, which are called antecedents.)
So antecedents means a word or phrase that a subsequent word refers to. "Mary" is the antecedent of "her" in the sentence "I'll give this to Mary if I see her."

Another word, pronouns can be replace by antecedents.

Another example:
Jennifer read the popem to herself, and then aloud to her partner.

Here Jennifer is the antecedent and herself, her are pronouns.

Answer 3

a word, phrase, or clause, usually a substantive, that is replaced by a pronoun or other substitute later, or occasionally earlier, in the same or in another, usually subsequent, sentence.

Answer 4

Something that comes after.