Section 18.2 Pronoun Reference
Pronouns are one of the most efficient tools in the language—a single word standing in for an entire noun phrase. But that efficiency depends entirely on the reader knowing which noun the pronoun refers to. When the connection is unclear, the sentence asks the reader to do interpretive work that the writer should have done instead.
Pronouns must clearly refer to identifiable antecedents.
Ambiguous Reference.
When a pronoun could refer to more than one noun:
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John told Mark that he was promoted.(Who was promoted?) -
Clear: John told Mark, “I was promoted.”
-
Clear: John congratulated Mark on Mark’s promotion.
Vague Reference.
When the pronoun has no clear antecedent:
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They say it will rain.(Who are “they”?) -
Clear: Weather forecasters predict rain.
-
It says in the article that... -
Clear: The article states that...
Broad Reference.
When this, that, which, or it refers to a whole clause rather than a specific noun:
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She arrived late, which upset everyone.(What does “which” refer to?) -
Clear: Her late arrival upset everyone.
Tip: After writing this or which, ask: “This/which what?”
