Using Clear Pronoun Reference What does reference mean? Ambiguous reference General reference Weak reference Indefinite reference Review A Review B

What does reference mean? A reference is a way of pointing out a connection between two things.

What does reference mean? A pronoun stands for, or refers to, another word or word group, called the antecedent. Antecedent Pronoun The guide showed the tourists where they should meet the bus. tourists they Think of the arrow as the reference, or the connection, between the pronoun and its antecedent.

What does reference mean? Generally, the meaning of a pronoun is clear only when the antecedent is known. Antecedent Pronoun Van’s idea sounds great. It will appeal to most students. idea It The meaning of it is clear because we know it refers to the word idea. [End of Section]

Ambiguous reference A pronoun should refer clearly to its antecedent. An ambiguous reference occurs when any one of two or more words can be a pronoun’s antecedent. Ambiguous reference When Jim finally met my father, he had plenty to say. Who had plenty to say, Jim or the father?

Ambiguous reference To correct an ambiguous reference, change the wording so that the pronoun clearly refers to just one antecedent. Ambiguous reference Ambiguous reference When Jim finally met my father, he had plenty to say. Lisa saw Sara while she was in El Paso. Clear reference Clear reference Who was in El Paso, Lisa or Sara? While Lisa was in El Paso, she saw Sara. When he finally met my father, Jim had plenty to say. Clear reference Clear reference While Sara was in El Paso, Lisa saw her. When Jim finally met him, my father had plenty to say. [End of Section]

General reference A general reference is the use of a pronoun that refers to a general idea rather than a specific antecedent. General reference I found out Jeremy had already been to Gettysburg. That surprised me. That has no specific antecedent. Avoiding general references makes your writing clearer and easier to understand.

General reference To correct a general reference, reword the sentence to avoid using the pronoun. General reference I found out Jeremy had already been to Gettysburg. That surprised me. Clear I was surprised when I found out Jeremy had already been to Gettysburg.

General reference Some pronouns commonly found in general-reference errors are it, that, this, and which. General reference Add some bananas and honey to plain yogurt. It makes a delicious and healthy snack. Clear Adding some bananas and honey to plain yogurt makes a delicious and healthy snack.

General reference Some pronouns commonly found in general-reference errors are it, that, this, and which. General reference The bridge was damaged. That made commuting difficult. Clear The damage to the bridge made commuting difficult.

General reference Some pronouns commonly found in general-reference errors are it, that, this, and which. General reference The shuttle launch was postponed. This was a disappointment to the astronauts. Clear The astronauts were disappointed when the shuttle launch was postponed.

General reference Some pronouns commonly found in general-reference errors are it, that, this, and which. General reference My alarm did not go off, which means I’ll be late for school again. Clear My alarm did not go off, so I’ll be late for school again.

Using clear pronoun reference On Your Own Revise each sentence to correct the unclear pronoun reference. 1. Pat made a shot at the last second. That made the fans go wild. 2. Grace visits her neighbor when she gets home from work. 3. Before introducing the speaker, the principal mentioned his latest book. 4. The rain had stopped by morning, which was a relief. 5. Dr. Sanchez works long hours and has many responsibilities, but she says it doesn’t bother her. [End of Section]

Weak reference A weak reference occurs when a pronoun refers to an antecedent that has been suggested but not expressed. If the reader or listener can’t link the pronoun to the antecedent, meaning may be misunderstood. Weak reference After winning the soccer match, they gave the coach a gift. The antecedent players is suggested but not expressed by the use of the pronoun they.

Weak reference Revise sentences to eliminate weak pronoun references. Charles Dickens was a great writer, and this is one of his best. After winning the soccer match, they gave the coach a gift. Clear Clear Charles Dickens wrote many great books, and this is one of his best. After winning the soccer match, the players gave the coach a gift. [End of Section]

Indefinite reference An indefinite reference is the use of a pronoun that refers to no particular person or thing and that is unnecessary to the meaning of the sentence. Indefinite reference In the newspaper, it reported that the robbers had been caught. The pronoun it is not necessary to the meaning of the sentence.

Indefinite reference To correct an indefinite reference, reword the sentence to avoid using the pronoun. Indefinite reference In the newspaper, it reported that the robbers had been caught. Clear The newspaper reported that the robbers had been caught.

Indefinite reference Most indefinite-reference errors are caused by the misuse of the pronouns it, they, and you. Indefinite reference In this book it explains how car engines work. Clear This book explains how car engines work.

Indefinite reference Most indefinite-reference errors are caused by the misuse of the pronouns it, they, and you. Indefinite reference In the movie they portray the aliens as violent creatures. Clear The movie portrays the aliens as violent creatures.

Indefinite reference Most indefinite-reference errors are caused by the misuse of the pronouns it, they, and you. Indefinite reference During the Middle Ages, you very likely would not live past the age of thirty. During the Middle Ages, a person very likely would not live past the age of thirty. Clear The pronoun you does not refer to the reader and does not have a specific antecedent.

Using clear pronoun reference On Your Own Revise each sentence to correct the unclear pronoun reference. 1. On the time line they show when the borders were changed. 2. I like hockey, but I’ve never been to one. 3. Dentists should listen to what you say. 4. In the article it includes details about the Egyptian pyramids. 5. I dropped the cup, and it splashed all over the floor. [End of Section]

Review A In each sentence, identify the pronoun that has an unclear reference. 1. The math test is tomorrow, which is why they will be studying tonight. 2. Becky called Maria when she got home from the library. 3. Lola enjoys her mountain bike and says it is her favorite pastime. 4. In this film they show the challenges of frontier living. 5. On the radio it said that afternoon thunderstorms were likely.

Review B Revise each sentence to correct the unclear pronoun reference. 1. Most people prefer loyal friends, but some people think it is not important. 2. Do not leave the bag open. It will cause the rolls to dry out. 3. On that station they are showing a film about Alaska. 4. Mike gave Pedro a copy of the diagram he had made. 5. Serena had worked hard, and that is why she succeeded. [End of Section]

The End