• Handbook Index
• Improving Your Writing Style
• Stages of the Writing Process
• Common Writing Assignments
• Grammar and Punctuation
• • Using Dashes
  • Using Commas
  • Using Semicolons
  • Using Coordinating Conjunctions
  • Using Conjunctive Adverbs
  • Subject-Verb Agreement
  • How to Proofread
  • Twelve Common Errors: An Editing Checklist
  • Clear, Concise Sentences
• Cite References in Your Paper
• Writing Center Home

5. Unclear pronoun reference

All pronouns must clearly refer to definite referents [nouns].

Use it, they, this, that, these, those, and which carefully to prevent confusion.

Unclear:

Einstein was a brilliant mathematician. This is how he was able to explain the universe.

Clear:

Einstein, who was a brilliant mathematician, used his ability with numbers to explain the universe.

Unclear:

Because Senator Martin is less interested in the environment than in economic development, he sometimes neglects it.

Clear:

Because of his interest in economic development, Senator Martin sometimes neglects the environment.