#  >> K-12 >> Grammar

What is an example of unclear pronoun reference?

Here's an example of unclear pronoun reference:

The dog chased the cat, and it ran up a tree.

Problem: It's unclear what "it" refers to. Did the dog run up a tree, or did the cat?

Solution: Be more specific:

* The dog chased the cat, and the cat ran up a tree.

* The dog chased the cat, and it (the cat) ran up a tree.

Other examples of unclear pronoun reference:

* John told his friend that he was going to the store. (Who is "he" referring to? John or his friend?)

* I put the cookies on the table, but they were gone. (Were the cookies gone, or was something else gone?)

Key takeaway: Make sure your pronouns clearly refer to their intended antecedents (the nouns they stand in for) to avoid confusion.

Learnify Hub © www.0685.com All Rights Reserved