π Quick Study Guide: Pronoun Reference
- π What is a Pronoun? A word that replaces a noun (e.g., he, she, it, they, we, you, I, them, her, his, its).
- π― What is an Antecedent? The noun or noun phrase that a pronoun refers to. Pronouns *must* clearly refer back to their antecedents.
- π Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement: Pronouns must agree with their antecedents in:
- π’ Number: If the antecedent is singular, the pronoun must be singular (e.g., student → he/she/they). If plural, the pronoun must be plural (e.g., students → they).
- π» Gender: If the antecedent is masculine, the pronoun is masculine (e.g., John → he). If feminine, the pronoun is feminine (e.g., Mary → she).
- π€ Person: First person (I, we), second person (you), third person (he, she, it, they).
- π« Common Problems (Vague Reference):
- π«οΈ Ambiguous Reference: When a pronoun could refer to more than one antecedent, making the meaning unclear. (e.g., "When John hit Bill, he was angry." Who was angry?)
- β Missing Antecedent: When a pronoun is used, but its antecedent is not present in the sentence or nearby sentences.
- π‘ Broad Reference: When a pronoun (especially 'this', 'that', 'which', 'it') refers to an entire idea or clause rather than a specific noun. While sometimes acceptable, it can often lead to vagueness.
- β¨ ESL Tip: Always check if your pronoun has a clear, unambiguous noun it refers to. If unsure, repeat the noun!
π Practice Quiz: Pronoun Reference
Choose the best option to correct or complete the sentence, ensuring clear pronoun reference.
1. Sarah told Maria that she had won the scholarship.
A) Sarah told Maria that Sarah had won the scholarship.
B) Sarah told Maria, "You won the scholarship."
C) Sarah told Maria, "I won the scholarship."
D) Sarah told Maria about her scholarship win.
2. The students brought their textbooks to class, but they left them at home.
A) The students brought their textbooks to class, but the students left them at home.
B) The students brought their textbooks to class, but some students left their books at home.
C) The students brought their textbooks to class, but the teachers left them at home.
D) The students brought their textbooks to class, but some forgot their books.
3. When the dog chased the cat, it ran up a tree.
A) When the dog chased the cat, the cat ran up a tree.
B) When the dog chased the cat, the dog ran up a tree.
C) When the dog chased the cat, the tree ran up it.
D) When the dog chased the cat, both ran up a tree.
4. My brother and his friend went to the concert, and he really enjoyed the music.
A) My brother and his friend went to the concert, and my brother really enjoyed the music.
B) My brother and his friend went to the concert, and his friend really enjoyed the music.
C) My brother and his friend went to the concert, and they really enjoyed the music.
D) My brother and his friend went to the concert, and he and his friend really enjoyed the music.
5. The company announced its new policy, which caused a lot of confusion.
A) The company announced its new policy. This policy caused a lot of confusion.
B) The company announced its new policy, and the announcement caused a lot of confusion.
C) The company announced its new policy, and the confusion was caused by it.
D) The company announced its new policy, causing a lot of confusion.
6. Each of the athletes must bring their own water bottle.
A) Each of the athletes must bring his or her own water bottle.
B) Each of the athletes must bring his own water bottle.
C) Each of the athletes must bring her own water bottle.
D) Each of the athletes must bring their water bottles.
7. They say that studying grammar is boring, but I find it fascinating.
A) The experts say that studying grammar is boring, but I find it fascinating.
B) People say that studying grammar is boring, but I find it fascinating.
C) My friends say that studying grammar is boring, but I find it fascinating.
D) Studying grammar is boring, but I find it fascinating.
Click to see Answers
1. C) Sarah told Maria, "I won the scholarship." (Corrects ambiguity by using direct speech, clarifying who won.)
2. D) The students brought their textbooks to class, but some forgot their books. (Clarifies 'they' by identifying who forgot.)
3. A) When the dog chased the cat, the cat ran up a tree. (Clarifies 'it' by repeating the noun 'cat'.)
4. C) My brother and his friend went to the concert, and they really enjoyed the music. (Uses a plural pronoun for a plural antecedent.)
5. D) The company announced its new policy, causing a lot of confusion. (Rewords to avoid broad reference with 'which' to the entire preceding clause.)
6. A) Each of the athletes must bring his or her own water bottle. (Corrects singular antecedent 'each' with singular pronoun; 'their' is plural.)
7. B) People say that studying grammar is boring, but I find it fascinating. (Provides a clear, general antecedent for 'They'.)