Understand Conventions of Standard Written English Grammar, Usage, and Mechanics

Identify and Edit Errors in the Standard Use of Pronouns

The pronouns "this" and "that" are frequently used to make broad references which are not clear. For example, study the sentences below.

Music during dinner is relaxing. That is what I need.

The meaning of the sentences above is unclear because "That" may refer to "music during dinner" or "relaxing."

1) For the sentences below, what causes the unclear pronoun reference? Click here when you are finished.

Good company executives practice high ethical standards. This makes stockholders more secure.

The meaning of the sentences above is unclear because "This" may refer to "good company executives" or "high ethical standards."

Other situations that often create unclear pronoun references involve the pronouns "they" and "you" with indefinite antecedents. For example, study the sentence below.

On TV last night, they predicted a stock market crash.

The sentence above is unclear because the pronoun "they" has no clear antecedent. The sentence could be corrected by stating a specific TV program or specific individuals.

2) For the sentence below, what causes the unclear pronoun reference? Click here when you are finished.

For athletic contests, you need to stay in good shape.

The meaning of the sentences above is unclear because "you" may refer to a particular person or to anyone that participates. A better sentence would be:

For athletic contests, a person needs to stay in good shape.

Some unclear pronoun references occur when there is a choice of nouns that could be considered the antecedent. For example, study the sentence below.

After Jack and Jim climbed the hill, he was breathing hard.

The sentence above is unclear because the pronoun "he" might refer to either Jack or Jim. The sentence might be intended to mean:

Jack was breathing hard after he and Jim climbed the hill.

3) For the sentence below, what causes the unclear pronoun reference? Click here when you are finished.

For Martha and Mary to cook dinner, she needed an oven.

The meaning of the sentences above is unclear because "she" may refer to either Martha or Mary. The sentence might be inteded to mean:

Martha needed an oven for she and Mary to cook dinner.