L.6.1d Recognize and correct vague pronouns (i.e., ones with unclear or ambiguous antecedents). Grade Level: Intermediate Example One:

Wrong Take the radio out of the car and fix it.

Does it refer to the car or the radio?

Right Take the radio out of the car and fix the radio.

Example Two:

Wrong Caitlin met with Hayley after she had lunch.

Does she refer to Caitlin or Hayley? Who had lunch?

Right After Caitlin had lunch, she met with Hayley.

Example Three:

Wrong The supervisors told the workers that they would receive a bonus.

Who will get the bonus, the supervisors or the workers?

Right The supervisors told the workers to expect a bonus.

Example Four: Wrong The candy dish was empty, but we were tired of eating it anyway.

They were tired of eating what? The candy dish?

Right The candy dish was empty, but we were tired of eating candy anyway. YOUR TURN!

1. Circle the vague pronouns.

2. Replace the vague pronoun by writing a clearer sentence.

Mark called Tom’s house all day because he wasn’t home.

______.

The witnesses called the television station, but they wouldn’t answer.

______.

It says in the paper that the legislation was passed.

______.