Pronoun Reference

This can be a problem in writing. We want to be specific. That’s the name of

the game.Information is on pages 160 -171

A pronoun should refer clearly to its antecedent

• A pronoun generally has no meaning in itself. It’s meaning is clear only when the reader knows to which word or word group the pronoun refers. This word or word group is called the antecedent.

Ex:Mr. Williams wanted to visit the California African American museum but it was closed on Sunday.

Ex: The Gomezes have a new car with which they intend to drive to San Diego for the weekend.

Avoid Ambiguous Reference

• Avoid ambiguous reference which occurs when any one of two or more words could be a pronoun’s antecedent.

Ambiguous: The rivalry between Daniel Kim and Alex Lichtenberg ended when he moved his seat to the other side of the classroom.

Why?

Avoid General Reference

• Avoid a general reference which is the use of a pronoun that refers to a general idea rather than to a specific antecedent.

Ex: In his song, Larry serenaded the audience with love songs, comic songs and operatic arias. This delighted the audience.

What’s the problem with the above sentence?

Avoid Weak Reference

• Avoid a weak pronoun reference, either replace the pronoun with an appropriate noun or give the pronoun a clear antecedent.

Ex: The voters want honest candidates, but many voters think that isn’t any candidates skill.

Indefinite Reference

• Avoid an indefinite reference—the use of a pronoun that refers to no particular person or thing and that is unnecessary to the structure and meaning of the sentence.

Ex. In some English classes, you wouldn’t dare express your views about race, ethnicity or religion.

Ex. In the spring, they present a musical.

Homework:

• On 163, ex. 1

• 165 ex. 2

• 167 ex 3

• 167 ex 4

And my darlings, don’t complain. These are good, easy points to get. . .