A faulty pronoun reference occurs when the pronoun's antecedent (the noun it refers to) is unclear, ambiguous, or nonexistent. Here's why a clear antecedent avoids this problem:
* Clarity: When the antecedent is clear, the reader immediately understands which noun the pronoun is referring to.
* Avoidance of ambiguity: A clear antecedent eliminates any potential confusion about which noun the pronoun refers to.
* No need for guesswork: The reader doesn't have to guess or infer the intended meaning.
Example of a faulty reference:
"The dog chased the cat, and it ran up a tree."
* Problem: It's unclear whether "it" refers to the dog or the cat.
* Solution: "The dog chased the cat, and the cat ran up a tree."
Example of a correct reference:
"The dog chased the cat, and it barked loudly."
* No problem: "It" clearly refers to the dog, the only noun previously mentioned.
In short, a pronoun with a clear and unmistakable antecedent is a sign of good writing, not a fault.