1. Ambiguous Pronouns

2. Definition
A pronoun has no __definite____meaning by itself. Its meaning is clear only when the word or _word___group___ it stands for is known.
There are _four__ categories of unclear pronoun reference to be careful of:

3. Ambiguous Reference
_Ambiguous_______ reference: this occurs when any one of two or more words can be a pronoun’s antecedent_.
Ambiguous: Marissa called Yolanda while she_ was at the library last weekend.(Who was at library?)
Better: While Marissa was at the library last weekend, she called Yolanda.

4. General Reference
_General____ reference: this is the use of a pronoun that refers to a general idea rather than to a specific antecedent.
 General: My biology class is going to the coast this week, which should be fun.(What will be fun?)
Better: Going to the coast with my biology class this week should be fun.

5. Weak Reference
_Weak____ reference: this occurs when a pronoun refers to an antecedent that has been _suggested____ but not __expressed______.
Weak: Royale writes stories, and she hopes to make it her career.(What is her career?)
Better: Royale writes stories, and she hopes to make writing her career.

6. Indefinite Reference
_Indefinite____ reference: this is the use of a pronoun that refers to no _specific_____ antecedent and that is _unnecessary_____ to the meaning of the sentence.
Most indefinite reference errors are caused by the misuse of the pronouns it, they, and you.
Indefinite: In the newspaper, it reported that the robbers had been caught.(What/who reported?)
Better: The newspaper reported that the robbers had been caught.