1. Pronoun Reference
Chapter 7

2. Pronouns and Antecedents
Daniel bought a bright red car.
____________ drove ________ to school.
His friends wanted a ride in the car.
__________ asked _______ for ________.

3. Ambiguous Reference
Keith told Frank that he had been nominated class president.
Keith told Frank, “I have been nominated class president.”
Keith told Frank about Frank’s nomination for class president.

4. Ambiguous Reference
Each pronoun should have a single noun nearby for its antecedent.
Perhaps fix with a direct quotation
Martha told Dorinne the whole story, so she understood what had happened.

5. Remote Reference When the antecedent is too far away from the pronoun
Health experts say that swimming is an excellent way to exercise. The cardiovascular workout strengthens the heart, and the leg and arm motion builds upper body and lower body muscle. It is also fun and relaxing.

6. Pronoun Reference
Last June we went to a rodeo, and they were really good.
The Monsells chose green blinds, and it matches the curtains.

7. Reference to an Implied Noun
A pronoun needs a stated noun as its antecedent.
When I check out these books, she said that I need to return them in seven days.

8. Reference to a Modifying Noun
A pronoun needs a noun as an antecedent, not a noun that functions as an adjective (a modifying noun or a possessive).
We’re going to build a new tool shed since we have so many of them.
Isaac volunteered to take care of John’s dog, who was going to camp for a week.

9. Indefinite Reference of Personal Pronouns
Indefinite pronouns do not require antecedents, but personal pronouns do.
Particularly misused- they, it, you
In Hawaii they ride mopeds.
Many Hawaiians ride mopeds.

10. Indefinite Reference of Personal Pronouns
In the introduction to the book it says that the author has done extensive research on the topic.
The introduction to the book says that . . .
Do not use the second person in formal English writing.
If you want to save money, you have to develop a good budget.
If one wants to save money, he/she must develop a good budget.

11. Reference to a Broad Idea
Pronouns must refer back to nouns, not general ideas.
Sam was asked to be on the all-star basketball team, and it surprised him.
The invitation surprised him.
Jessie had to get up early and run, but this was not difficult for her.
But getting up early was not difficult for her.
But running was not difficult for her.

12. It Exception
It does not need an antecedent when referring to time, distance, weather, or environment.
It’s 1:00 p.m.
It’s only seven block to the library.
It is going to rain.
It is very quiet.
It is time for bed.
It is a beautiful day.