Writing Lab Vague Pronoun Reference Antecedents Every pronoun

Writing Lab Vague Pronoun Reference

Antecedents • Every pronoun must have an antecedent • An antecedent is the word to which a pronoun refers or whose place a pronoun takes. • In the following example, “it” is the pronoun, and “key” is the antecedent to which “it” refers: • Though he tried his best to twist and bend the key, he could not break it.

Common Vague References • Vague: The detective studied the manuscript with the aid of a magnifying glass; then he put it in his pocket. • In the above example, “it” can refer to either “manuscript” or “magnifying glass. ” The reader should not be left to assume either is the appropriate antecedent. • Clear: The detective studied the manuscript with the aid of a magnifying glass; then he put the manuscript in his pocket.

Other Vague References • Vague: My father wants me to become a medical professional, but I’m not interested in it. • In the above example, the reader can try to determine to what “it” is referring, but the reader must make an assumption to do so. • Clear: My father wants me to become a medical professional, but I’m not interested in medicine.

More Examples • Vague: After being depressed for two weeks, the criminal decided to get over it and resume his routine. • Clear: After being depressed for two weeks, the criminal decided to get over his depression and resume his routine. • Vague: Holmes learned that the relationship between Katz and Orenstein dissolved when he retired. • Clear: Holmes learned that the relationship between Katz and Orenstein dissolved when Katz retired.

That’s all, folks! • This lesson is part of the UWF Writing Lab Grammar Mini-Lesson Series • Lessons adapted from Real Good Grammar, Too by Mamie Webb Hixon • To find out more, visit the Writing Lab’s website where you can take a self-scoring quiz corresponding to this lesson