Identify vague pronoun references

key notes :

  • A pronoun is a word that takes the place of a noun (e.g., he, she, it, they).
  • Pronouns need a clear antecedent, which is the noun they refer to.
  • A vague pronoun reference occurs when it is unclear what the pronoun is referring to.
  • Example of a vague reference: “When Sarah spoke to Emma, she was upset.” (Who was upset, Sarah or Emma?)
  • Make sure the pronoun clearly refers to one specific noun.
  • Reword the sentence if necessary to make the reference clear.
  • Example of a corrected sentence: “When Sarah spoke to Emma, Sarah was upset.” (Now it’s clear who was upset.)
  • Pronouns like “it,” “this,” “that,” and “they” are often vague.
  • These words need a specific noun to refer to, or the reader may not understand what is meant.
  • Rewrite the sentence: Instead of using a pronoun, repeat the noun or provide more context.
  • Clarify the antecedent: Make sure the noun the pronoun refers to is obvious and close to the pronoun in the sentence.
  • Encourage students to read sentences carefully and ask, “What does the pronoun refer to?”
  • Have them underline the antecedent to check if it’s clear.
  • Vague: “Alex told Jordan that he would be late.” (Unclear who “he” refers to.)
  • Clear: “Alex told Jordan that Jordan would be late.” (Now it’s clear.)
  • Clear pronoun references make writing easier to understand and prevent confusion for readers.

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