Pronoun Reference

A pronoun must agree in gender and number with the noun it stands for, and it must also refer back clearly to that noun (its antecedent).

Confusing:        Jean was outside, but when Sandy came outside she left without her.

Clear:               Jean was outside, but when Sandy came outside she left without Jean.

There are several ways to correct faulty pronoun reference. The writer may try the following suggestions:

 

1. Rewrite the sentence to eliminate pronouns
2. Provide a clear antecedent for each pronoun
3. Substitute a noun for the pronoun

The pronouns which, this and that can cause confusion because they may refer either to a specific noun or to a whole clause, sentence or paragraph.

 

Confusing:        This first chapter is happier than the conclusion, which is unfortunate.

Does “which” refer to the entire first clause, or just to “the conclusion”? Again, the writer will distract her readers if the pronoun reference is unclear.

Clear:               Unfortunately, the first chapter is happier than the conclusion.

Rewrite the following sentences to make the pronoun reference clear; use any of the methods explained above.

1. A student should know how to write by the time they enter college.

2. I went to see John and Tom, who told me his latest problem.

3. Both grandparents were there when my brother graduated. We could tell how happy they were.

4. Paul arrived in a new car, which irritated me.

5. He gave me a book. That helped to improve my mood a bit.

6. The skater fell to the ice on her knee and cracked it.

7. He said that my painting was grotesque. That was unkind.