Mastering Pronoun Reference

Pronoun Reference

Learn how to effectively use pronouns in writing to improve clarity and coherence. Explore common mistakes and strategies for mastering pronoun reference.

How to Use Pronouns Correctly

1. Compound Antecedent

• A pronoun may refer to two or more nouns in a compound antecedent.

  • Example: Mark and Dennis combined their efforts to fix the leaky faucet.

2. Avoid Ambiguity

• Avoid using a pronoun that could refer to more than one possible antecedent.

  • Incorrect: Rick told Carry that he was right.

  • Correct: Rick told Garry, "You are right."

How to Use Pronouns Correctly

3. Avoid Vague Pronouns

• Avoid using vague pronouns like they and it, which often have no clear antecedent.

  • Incorrect: It says in the paper that K-Mart is expanding the Williamsville store.

  • Correct: The article in the paper says that K-Mart is expanding the Williamsville store.

  • Incorrect: They told me that we were required to wear surgeons' masks to view the newborns.

  • Correct: The obstetrics nurses told me that we were required to wear surgeons' masks to view the newborns.

  • Incorrect: On the bulletin boards, it says that there is a fire drill today.

  • Correct: The notice on the bulletin boards says that there is a fire drill today.

How to Use Pronouns Correctly

4. Avoid Unnecessary Pronouns

• Avoid unnecessary or repetitious pronouns.

  • Incorrect: My sister she said that she lost her diamond ring.

  • Correct: My sister said that she lost her diamond ring.

5. Relative Pronouns

• Use relative pronouns who, whom, which, and that with the appropriate antecedent.

  • Example: Mary Anne was the team member who stored the most points this year.

How to Use Pronouns Correctly

5. Relative Pronouns

• Example: Dublin, who is a golden retriever, barked at everyone.

• Example: The ring that my sister gave me has three opals.

• Example: Highway 33, which has ten hairpin turns, is difficult to drive.

How to Use Pronouns Correctly

6. Use of "One"

• Use "one" if not referring specifically to the reader.

  • Incorrect: Last year, you had to watch the news every night to keep up with world events.

  • Correct: Last year, one had to watch the news every night to keep up with world events.

How to Use Pronouns Correctly

7. Placement of Pronouns

• Place the pronoun close to its antecedent for clear relationships.

  • Incorrect: Margaux found a shell on the beach that her sister wanted.

  • Correct: On the beach, Margaux found a shell that her sister wanted.