Pronoun Reference

Pronoun Reference

Pronoun Reference

​is all about making sure the pronoun clearly refers to the correct noun or antecedent in a sentence to avoid confusion. Here's a simple structure you can use to explain it:

1. Definition: A pronoun takes the place of a noun. It's essential that the pronoun clearly refers to a specific noun (the antecedent).

2. Example:

   • Clear: "John went to the store because he needed groceries." ("He" clearly refers to John.)

   • Unclear: "John and Mike went to the store because he needed groceries." (It's unclear who "he" refers to.)

3. Common Mistakes: Using a pronoun without a clear antecedent or having multiple possible references.

• This: "I found a solution to the problem. This will help us move forward."

• That: "She mentioned a new idea in the meeting. That is worth exploring."

• Those: "I have several books on the shelf. Those are my favorites."

• These: "I bought some new pens. These write really well."

• One: "You can choose between the pens. Take the red one."

• This one: "There are two cakes. This one tastes better."

• That one: "Between the two options, I prefer that one."

• Each one: "There are four participants. Each one gave their opinion."

• The next one: "We finished this project. Let's start on the next one."

Examples:

Multiple Choice

This cake is delicious. What does this refer to?

• Flavor

• Dessert

• Recipe

• Cake

Multiple Choice

I prefer the red shirt over that. What does that refer to?

• Shirt

• Color

• Price

• Size

Multiple Choice

She saw two dogs; those were running fast. What does those refer to?

• She

• Dogs

• Two

• Runners

Multiple Choice

I like several books, but these are my favorites. What does these refer to?

• Books

• Authors

• Stories

• Favorites

Multiple Choice

I lost my pen, can I borrow one? What does one refer to?

• Pen

• Friend

• Marker

• Book

Multiple Choice

There were two cakes on the table. I picked this one. What does this one refer to?

• Cake

• Table

• Choice

• Knife

Multiple Choice

I preferred the first design, but I’ll go with that one. What does that one refer to?

• First design

• Second design

• Both designs

• Idea

Multiple Choice

He ordered three coffees; each one had a different flavor. What does each one refer to?

• Person

• Flavor

• Table

• Coffee

Multiple Choice

After completing this task, we’ll move on to the next one. What does the next one refer to?

• Break

• Task

• Person

• Problem

Multiple Choice

The students discussed their ideas. Each one had a unique approach. What does each one refer to?

• Idea

• Approach

• Student

• Discussion