How to Correct Pronoun Antecedent Errors
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
This paragraph contains an error. Find and correct it:
On July 28, managers presented second-quarter sales reports. Greg Cavalos and Daniel Stein discussed the customer service issues that caused the sales decline. Evan Dupont addressed Greg and Daniel’s report, and I agree with him.
Correction
On July 28, managers presented second-quarter sales reports. Greg Cavalos and Daniel Stein discussed the customer service issues that caused the sales decline. Evan Dupont addressed Greg and Daniel’s report, and I agree with him.
Explanation
This is an example of an unclear pronoun reference, often technically referred to as a “pronoun antecedent error.” Is the pronoun “him” referring to Greg, Daniel or Evan? It’s not clear, forcing the reader to make assumptions.
Solution
If you use a pronoun to refer to previously discussed people, make sure the sentence structure makes it clear to whom you refer. The definitive Gregg Reference Manual provides an excellent explanation of this:
- CONFUSING: Unrealistic deadlines, excessive pressures, and unsafe working conditions can be very damaging to your employees. You must do everything you can to eliminate them. [The employees or the destructive conditions?]
- CLEAR: Unrealistic deadlines, excessive pressures, and unsafe working conditions can be very damaging to your employees. You must do everything you can to eliminate these destructive conditions.
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