Unclear Pronoun Reference
Jared Aragona
Unclear pronoun reference: Clarify unclear pronoun references, including vague uses of they, it, this, which, and that.
Jill told Meagan that she had to get more sleep. (It is unclear who “she” is.)
Jill told Meagan that Meagan had to get more sleep. (It’s best to avoid pronoun use if it causes confusion).
Edgar and Winston finally met face to face one night in front of his garage, but he couldn’t see without his glasses. (It is unclear who “he” is.)
Edgar and Winston finally met face to face one night in front of Winston’s garage, but Edgar couldn’t see without his glasses. (It’s best to avoid pronoun use if it causes confusion).
I went to Chinatown, where people can get almost any item at a price they can afford. This was a great relief to me. (It is unclear which antecedent “this” refers to).
I went to Chinatown, where people can get almost any item at a price they can afford. This availability was a great relief to me. (A follow-up word clears up confusion.)
I went to Chinatown, which is where people can get almost any item at a price they can afford. This affordability was a great relief to me. (A follow-up word clears up confusion.)
These benefits were a great relief to me. (A follow-up word clears up confusion.)
In the opening scene, it shows them kissing. (It is unclear what “it” refers to).
The opening scene shows them kissing. (Rephrase to avoid confusion.)
In the fourth chapter of Allen’s book, it tells about the boogeyman. (It is unclear what “it” refers to.)
The fourth chapter of Allen’s book tells about the boogeyman. (Rephrase to avoid confusion.)
In the fourth chapter, Allen tells about the boogeyman. (Rephrase to avoid confusion.)
The MLCKRB (Master List Code Key and Rule Book): An English Grammar & Style Handbook by Jared Aragona, CC BY 4.0