1. Vague Pronoun Reference
Writing Lab
Vague Pronoun Reference

2. Antecedents Every pronoun must have an antecedent
An antecedent is the word to which a pronoun refers or whose place a pronoun takes.
In the following example, “it” is the pronoun, and “key” is the antecedent to which “it” refers:
Though he tried his best to twist and bend the key, he could not break it.

3. Common Vague References
Vague: The detective studied the manuscript with the aid of a magnifying glass; then he put it in his pocket.
In the above example, “it” can refer to either “manuscript” or “magnifying glass.” The reader should not be left to assume either is the appropriate antecedent.
Clear: The detective studied the manuscript with the aid of a magnifying glass; then he put the manuscript in his pocket.

4. Other Vague References
Vague: My father wants me to become a medical professional, but I’m not interested in it.
In the above example, the reader can try to determine to what “it” is referring, but the reader must make an assumption to do so.
Clear: My father wants me to become a medical professional, but I’m not interested in medicine.

5. More Examples
Vague: After being depressed for two weeks, the criminal decided to get over it and resume his routine.
Clear: After being depressed for two weeks, the criminal decided to get over his depression and resume his routine.
Vague: Holmes learned that the relationship between Katz and Orenstein dissolved when he retired.
Clear: Holmes learned that the relationship between Katz and Orenstein dissolved when Katz retired.

6. That’s all, folks!
This lesson is part of the UWF Writing Lab Grammar Mini-Lesson Series
Lessons adapted from Real Good Grammar, Too by Mamie Webb Hixon
To find out more, visit the Writing Lab’s website where you can take a self-scoring quiz corresponding to this lesson