Grammar and Language Workbook

188 
Grammar and Language Workbook, Grade 12
Copyright © by Glencoe/McGraw-Hill
Grammar

---

Lesson 60
Clear Pronoun Reference
Clearly state the antecedent of a pronoun. A pronoun should not be able to refer to more
than one antecedent.
Never use the pronouns this, that, which, and it without a clearly stated antecedent. Each
time you use these pronouns, be sure you express, in a word or two, the object or idea
that you wish these words to stand for.
Vague:
The audience members kept screaming at the monster, but that didn’t keep
me from enjoying the film. 
Clear:
The audience members kept screaming at the monster, but their response
didn’t keep me from enjoying the film. 
Vague:
The computers were all being used, which always happens when I have an
assignment. 
Clear:
I couldn’t do my assignment on the computers, which were all in use at the
time.
Vague:
My sisters have learned a lot by playing in the school orchestra, so I have
also chosen it as my extracurricular activity.
Clear:
My sisters have learned a lot by playing in the school orchestra, so I have
also chosen music as my extracurricular activity. 
If a pronoun seems to refer to more than one antecedent, reword the sentence to make the
antecedent clear, or eliminate the pronoun.
Unclear Antecedent:
When you put the car in the garage, don’t forget to lock it.
Clear Antecedent:
Lock the car after you put it in the garage. 
No Pronoun:
Park in the garage and lock the car. 
Do not use you and they as indefinite pronouns. Name the person or group to which you
are referring.
Indefinite:
At the council meeting, you must ask to be recognized. 
Clear:
At the council meeting, members must ask to be recognized.
Indefinite:
In the orchestra, they must practice scales.
Clear:
In the orchestra, players must practice scales. 
 Exercise 1