How do you identify vague pronoun references?

A vague pronoun reference occurs when a pronoun could refer to more than one possible antecedent. When Lisa and Kim finally landed, she breathed a sigh of relief. The pronoun she could refer to either Lisa or Kim, so the meaning of the sentence is unclear.

What are common reasons for vague pronoun references?

Let’s look at some of the most common vague pronoun errors I see in student writing and how to fix them:

1. Combining First/Second/Third Person.
2. Too many antecedents.
3. Hidden antecedents.
4. No antecedent at all.
5. Pronoun used to stand for a group of words.
6. Pronoun number.

What makes a pronoun vague?

A pronoun is considered to be vague when it is difficult to determine what the pronoun refers to (the antecedent). Ambiguity or confusion can occur when demonstrative pronouns, such as ‘this’ or ‘it’ (which have no clear antecedents), are used to begin a sentence.

Which sentences use vague pronouns?

Each of these sentences has the same problem: * Harry was always late for class, and it drove his teacher crazy. * Harry was always late for class, and this drove his teacher crazy. * Harry was always late for class, which drove his teacher crazy. That problem is vague pronoun reference.

Is the a vague pronoun?

A vague pronoun reference might include words such as it, that, this, and which, and can leave the reader wondering what or to whom the pronoun refers. Writers who strive for clarity in their work should be certain that each pronoun has a specific antecedent.

What is vague reference?

Vague reference is a common problem in sentences where “this,” “it,” “which” or other such words don’t refer back to any one specific word or phrase, but a whole situation. There are lots of ways to reorganize this sentence to avoid the vague reference.

What is a vague word?

1a : not clearly expressed : stated in indefinite terms vague accusations. b : not having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse. 2a : not clearly defined, grasped, or understood : indistinct only a vague notion of what’s needed also : slight a vague hint of a thickening waistline hasn’t the vaguest idea.

How do I stop being vague?

In both conversational and formal English, avoid vagueness. Never use a pronoun that may refer to two or more ideas; don’t leave your reader or listener wondering what you mean.

What is an example of a vague statement?

Examples of very vague terms: “Many,” (“A lot,” “Lots”) How many is many? There’s no precise cut-off. Some numbers clearly aren’t ‘many,’ some clearly are, but some numbers may or may not count as ‘many.

What is a vague pronoun error?

Faulty / vague pronoun reference errors also occur when the pronoun’s antecedent functions as an adjective rather than a noun. In such cases, the true antecedent is “hidden” or obscured from the reader because it has been subordinated to another noun. Thus, we call this kind of faulty antecedent a hidden antecedent.

What is a vague word in a sentence?

In speech or writing, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of language. Contrast this term with clarity and specificity. As an adjective, the word becomes vague.

What is an example of vague?

The definition of vague is something unclear, hazy or uncertain. An example of vague would be directions to a house that don’t include street names. Lacking definite shape, form, or character; indistinct. Saw a vague outline of a building through the fog.

What does pronoun reference mean?

Pronoun reference is the practice of making pronouns refer clearly to the words they replace. Antecedent is the noun which the pronoun replaces.

What is an unclear pronoun reference?

Unclear pronoun reference occurs when a pronoun (often “it,” “this,” “that,” or “they”) could refer to more than one antecendent in a sentence. An antecedent is simply the word (or words) that a pronoun refers to. To avoid unclear pronoun reference, make sure that every pronoun you use refers clearly…

What is a vague reference?

vague reference. Vague reference is a common problem in sentences where “this,” “it,” “which” or other such words don’t refer back to any one specific word or phrase, but a whole situation.

What are ambiguous pronouns?

Ambiguous Pronouns. An ambiguous pronoun is one that is used in a confusing or vague manner.To be understood, a pronoun must refer clearly to a single nearby antecedent.