Les Hanson 2002Les Hanson 2002

Pronoun ReferencePronoun ReferencePronoun ReferencePronoun Reference

Making Pronoun Reference ClearMaking Pronoun Reference ClearMaking Pronoun Reference ClearMaking Pronoun Reference Clear

Pronouns are used to replace nounsThe words they replace are antecedentsA sentence is unclear if the reader can’t identify the antecedent that the pronoun is replacingX Thelma told Louise that she was going to drive

Who’s driving?Thelma told Louise to drive.X I put my lighter beside the balloon and it

explodedThe balloon exploded when I put my lighter

beside it.

Make the pronoun refer to somethingMake the pronoun refer to something

Sometimes people imply a reference without specifically stating itX In Brochet they trap for furs in the winter.

Who does “they” refer to?People in Brochet trap for furs in the winter.

orPeople in Brochet live close to the land.

They trap for furs in the winter.X In the text it states that “alot” is not a word.

What does “it” refer to?The text states that “alot” is not a word.

Personal and Impersonal PronounsPersonal and Impersonal PronounsPersonal and Impersonal PronounsPersonal and Impersonal Pronouns

Don’t refer to organizations as people.X Great West Life is based in Winnipeg. They sell

insurance.Great West Life is based in Winnipeg. It sells

insurance.X MTS should change their policy on Internet

security.MTS should change its policy on Internet security.

Use personal pronouns with people.X Sally bought milk from the man that owns the

store.Sally bought milk from the man who owns the

store.

Don’t refer to yourself as “you”Don’t refer to yourself as “you”Don’t refer to yourself as “you”Don’t refer to yourself as “you”

Only use “you” to refer directly to the reader X The boss often yells at me. When he does

that, you want to rip his lungs out.The boss often yells at me. When he does

that, I want to rip his lungs out.X I like skiing because it gets you out in the

winter.I like skiing because it gets me out in the

winter. X In Indonesia, you can find people of every

faith.I saw people of every faith in Indonesia.People of every faith live in Indonesia.

Watch out for “it” and “there”Watch out for “it” and “there”Watch out for “it” and “there”Watch out for “it” and “there”

It and there are expletives (filler words)There is never the subject of the sentenceLook elsewhere to find the subjectThere are squirrels in your garage.

(Subject is squirrels)There is a good deli on the corner.

(Subject is deli)It is always singularIt was Homer who put glue on your chairIt was Bart and Lisa who put soap in the

toilet