Ambiguous Pronouns

Avoiding

the Vague Pronoun "You"

Unit 5: Vague Pronouns

Commonly Misused

People often use the word "you" when they mean to refer to themselves.​

I​

• EX: Henry was so excited, you could hear it in his voice.​​

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When not referring directly to the listener, use a more specific noun or pronoun instead of you.​

​ the guests

• When Dave worked at the zoo, you could smell him a mile away.​

Unit 5: Vague Pronouns

Commonly Misused

Use the pronoun you when talking directly to the reader/listener.

• The parade is about to start, so you should get the float ready.​​

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Only use "one" when talking about situations that are very broad or hypothetical (meaning that they may happen, but haven't actually)​

• EX: During the speech, Laurie said that one should never go hiking alone.

Unit 5: Vague Pronouns

Multiple Choice

Which version of the sentence is the best?

• When one dances the waltz, never look at your feet.

• When you dance the waltz, never look at your feet.

Multiple Choice

Which version of the sentence is the best?

• After staying up all night, I realized that you really need sleep.

• After staying up all night, I realized that I really need sleep.

Multiple Choice

Which version of the sentence is the best?

• Ricky and I drove around the block, and we couldn't park anywhere.

• Ricky and I drove around the block, and you couldn't park anywhere.