Ambiguous and Vague Pronoun Reference

1
Ambiguous and Vague Pronoun Reference

• What the heck are you talking about?

2
rule number 30

• It must be clear to the reader what noun the
  pronoun is referring to in a sentence.

• Albert told Oscar hed bought the wrong book.
• (which guy purchased the wrong book?)

• Cindy was going to pick up the baby, but then she
  fell asleep.
• (who fell asleep?)

• I was very busy last week it is better this
  week.
• (what is it?)

3
Avoid Ambiguous Pronoun Reference

• A pronoun refers to the nearest (previous) noun,
  even though the nearest noun may not be the real
  antecedent.

Ambiguous Remove the wrappers from the boxes,
and then discard them. (Discard the boxes or
the wrappers?)
Clear Discard the wrappers after you
remove them from the boxes.
4
Avoid Vague Pronoun Reference

• This occurs when a pronoun refers to a general
  idea or thing instead of a specific noun.

• Vague
• They say more rain is on the way.
• (Who are they?)

Clear The weather bureau says more rain is on
the way.

• Vague
• Last week, I had three tests and a book report
  due. It was much better this week.
• (what is it?)

Clear Last week, I had three tests and a book
report due. My schedule was much better this
week.
5
Practice

• Rewrite/Restate each sentence correcting the
  ambiguous or
• vague pronoun reference.

• 1. The team has won every game this season and
  we think its terrific.
• 2. When Eric spoke to his girlfriends father,
  he was very polite.
• 3. Remove the door from the frame, and paint it.
• 4. I sent in three box tops and the answer to
  the riddle. That could win the contest.
• 5. Take the socks off your feet, and wash them.
• 6. Many people disapproved of the candidates
  political ideas, and it cost him the election.
• 7. Peggy liked the prom dress in the store
  window, which she bought.
• 8. Rick could dance, sing, and play the violin.
  The judges awarded him first prize in
• the talent show for this.