Correcting Vague Pronouns and Using Who and Whom

What is a vague pronoun?

• a word that takes the place of a noun

• a pronoun that is confusing because it could refer to more than one person or thing

• a pronoun that does not exist

Tags

CCSS.L.3.1A

CCSS.L.6.1A

CCSS.L.6.1C

CCSS.L.6.1D

Does this sentence have a vague or unclear pronoun?

Both Isabel and Barbara loved her children.

• Yes

• No

Tags

CCSS.L.3.1A

CCSS.L.6.1A

CCSS.L.6.1C

CCSS.L.6.1D

Which option BEST fixes the vague or unclear pronoun in the sentence below?

Both Isabel and Barbara loved her children.

• Both Barbara and Isabel loved her children.

• Her children were loved by Isabel and Barbara.

• Isabel's children were loved by her and Barbara.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.1A

CCSS.L.6.1A

CCSS.L.6.1C

CCSS.L.6.1D

Does this sentence have a vague or unclear pronoun?

Billy told Jake that no one would know he committed a crime.

• Yes

• No

Tags

CCSS.L.3.1A

CCSS.L.6.1A

CCSS.L.6.1C

CCSS.L.6.1D

Which option BEST fixes the vague or unclear pronoun in the sentence below?

Billy told Jake that no one would know he committed a crime.

• Jake told Billy that no one would know he committed a crime.

• Billy told Jake, "No one will know you committed a crime."

• No one would know he committed a crime.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.1A

CCSS.L.6.1A

CCSS.L.6.1C

CCSS.L.6.1D

Does this sentence have a vague or unclear pronoun?

Anyone who wants to be an astronaut must be in his or her best shape.

• Yes

• No

Tags

CCSS.L.3.1A

CCSS.L.6.1A

CCSS.L.6.1C

CCSS.L.6.1D

Does this sentence have a vague or unclear pronoun?

If the kids do not enjoy the toys, take them back to the store.

• Yes

• No

Tags

CCSS.L.3.1A

CCSS.L.6.1A

CCSS.L.6.1C

CCSS.L.6.1D

Which option BEST fixes the vague or unclear pronoun in the sentence below?

If the kids do not enjoy the toys, take them back to the store.

• Return the toys if they are not enjoyed by the kids.

• Return the kids to the store if they are not enjoyed by the toys.

• The kids and the toys can be taken back to the store if they are not enjoyed.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.1A

CCSS.L.6.1A

CCSS.L.6.1C

CCSS.L.6.1D

Does this sentence have a vague or unclear pronoun?

All of the students understood pronouns, so everyone earned an A+.

• Yes

• No

Tags

CCSS.L.3.1A

CCSS.L.6.1A

CCSS.L.6.1C

CCSS.L.6.1D

Which of the sentences below contains a vague pronoun?

• Mom and Lauren ate their dinner together.

• Mom gave Lauren her dinner.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.1D

CCSS.L.3.1A