1. Ensure that Pronoun References are Clear in Meaning 代名詞必須清楚使用

2.  Readers become confused when the sentences they are reading contain pronouns that do not have a clear antecedent.  An antecedent is what a pronoun is referring to.  Many problems can arise when a pronoun does not refer to a clear antecedent.  For instance, a pronoun can refer to more than one antecedent.

3.  (Original) The instructor informed the student that she must leave the classroom early. ◦ In the sentence, confusion over who she refers to, the instructor or the student, makes the reader wonder who must leave the classroom early.

4.  If she refers to the student, then the sentence’s intended meaning can be expressed as ◦ (Revised1) The instructor informed the student, “You must leave the classroom early.” ◦ (Revised2) The instructor informed the student to leave the classroom early.

5.  Another problem is that placing the pronoun far away from its antecedent makes it more difficult for reader to understand what the pronoun refers to.

6.  (Original) The chemist slowly poured the mixture into the flask and waited until the temperature reached boiling temperature; it lasted for five minutes. ◦ Clearly stating what it refers to omits confusion and, therefore, the revised sentence should read as follows:

7.  (Revised) The chemist slowly poured the mixture into the flask and waited until the temperature reached boiling temperature; the procedure lasted for five minutes.

8.  Yet another area of confusion caused by improper use of antecedents involves using which, this, and that when referring to a previous clause of sentence.

9.  (Original) The procedure lasts several minutes, which complicates the overall manufacturing process. ◦ In the sentence, which may create confusion over what the writer is referring to.

10.  (Revised1) The procedure lasts several minutes, thereby complicating the overall manufacturing process.  (Revised2) The procedure 【 lasting several minutes 】 complicates the overall manufacturing process.

11.  (Revised3) The fact 【 that the procedure lasts several minutes 】 complicates the overall manufacturing process.  (Revised4) The procedure lasts several minutes; this time period complicates the overall manufacturing process.