Identify vague pronoun references

key notes :

πŸ“ Identify Vague Pronoun References

A pronoun is a word that takes the place of a noun.

Example:

  • John is my friend. He is kind. βœ…
  • Here, he replaces John.

A vague pronoun reference happens when it’s unclear what the pronoun refers to.

This can confuse the reader.

Example:

  • Raju gave his friend a gift, but he didn’t like it. ❌
  • Who didn’t like it? Raju or his friend?

βœ… Correct version:

  • Raju gave his friend a gift, but his friend didn’t like it. βœ…

he, she, it, they, them, this, that, these, those

Example:

  • The dog chased the cat, and it ran fast. ❌
  • Who ran fast? The dog or the cat?
  • βœ… The dog chased the cat, and the cat ran fast. βœ…

Name the noun again πŸ‘€

  • Instead of using he/she/it/they, use the actual noun.
  • Example: ❌ He forgot his homework.
  • βœ… Rita forgot her homework.

Make the pronoun clear from context πŸ“

  • Ensure the pronoun clearly points to one specific noun.

Use fewer pronouns in a sentence πŸ—£οΈ

  • Break long sentences if needed to avoid confusion.
  • ❌ Sara told Maya that she was tired.
  • βœ… Correct: Sara told Maya, “I am tired.” or Sara told Maya that Maya was tired.
  • ❌ The teacher spoke to the students, and they were happy.
  • βœ… Correct: The students were happy after the teacher spoke to them.
  • ❌ The dog barked at the boy, and he ran away.
  • βœ… Correct: The boy ran away when the dog barked at him.
  • Always ask yourself: β€œWho or what does this pronoun refer to?” πŸ‘€
  • If it’s not clear, rewrite the sentence! ✏️

Let’s Practice! βœ’οΈ