Vague Reference
Rule: Pronouns have to clearly refer to the correct antecedent.
Examples
- Sheldon talked to his colleague and said that he had saved the company from bankruptcy.
- (Who saved the company? This isn’t clear.)
- Donald believed that Gerry should have been more careful with his iPhone when he lent it to him because he was a good friend of his sister.
- (Who owns the iPhone? Who has the sister? This is unclear.)
Another problem that can occur is when there is no antecedent for the pronoun to refer to.
- Golf is his favourite pastime; therefore, it’s strange that he doesn’t own one.
- (What is it that he doesn’t own? It can’t be golf. It is not clear.)
- She has a passion for attending kick-boxing events and would love to do it herself one day.
- (What is it that she would love to do herself one day? It’s unclear.)
Exercise
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