grammar powerpoint ambiguous vague pronouns

7/16/2019 Grammar Powerpoint Ambiguous Vague Pronouns

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Ambiguous and Vague

Pronoun ReferenceRule:

It must be clear to the reader what noun thepronoun is referring to in a sentence.



Corresponding Time Tracker Reference

Rule number(s) 115 & 118

Background Information

Ambiguous referenceAvoid ambiguous reference. A

pronoun refers to the nearest

noun, even though the nearestnoun may not be the real

antecedent.



Examples

Oscar told Arnold that he’d

bought the wrong book. (Whichguy purchased the wrong

book?) Cindy was going to pick up the

baby, but then she fell asleep.(Who fell asleep?)

I was very busy last week; it isbetter this week. (What is it?)



Examples, Continued

Ambiguous : Remove the

wrappers from the boxes and

then discard them.

(Discard the boxes of the

wrappers?)

Clear : Discard the wrappers after

you remove them from the

boxes



Vague reference

Avoid vague reference. This occurs when a pronoun refers to a

general idea or thing instead of a specific noun.

Vague: They say more

rain is on the way.

(Who is/are they?)

Clear: The weather

bureau says morerain is on the way



Vague vs. Clear

Vague: Last week

I had three tests

and a book

report due. Itwas much better

this week.

(what is it ?)

Clear: Last week I

had three tests

and a book

report due. Myschedule was

much better this

week.



Practice

Rewrite each sentence correcting the ambiguous or

vague pronoun reference.

1. The team has won every game this

season and we think it’s terrific.

2. When Eric spoke to his girlfriend’s father,

he was very polite.

3. Remove the door from the frame and

paint it.

4. I sent in three box tops and the answer to

the riddle. That could win the contest.

5. Take the socks off your feet, and washthem.



Practice

Rewrite each sentence correcting the ambiguous or

vague pronoun reference.

6. Many people disapprove of the candidate’spolitical ideas, and it cost him the election.

7. Peggy liked the prom dress in the store

window, which she bought.

8. Albert told Oscar he’d bought the wrong

book.

9. Cindy was going to pick up the baby, butthen she fell asleep.

10. Rick could dance, sing, and play the violin.

The judges awarded him first prize in the

talent show for this.

grammar powerpoint ambiguous vague pronouns

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