A review of common college student writing flaws --
including this issue of vague pronoun reference.
by Randall S. Hansen, Ph.D., and Katharine Hansen, Ph.D.
Vague Pronoun Reference.
We've found this flaw to be a common one among students. Vague pronoun
reference is using a pronoun -- such as this, it, these, or them -- in place of nouns in
an unclear fashion. When you use such pronouns, a referent must accompany them generally.
Every pronoun you write should refer clearly and unmistakably to a specific noun.
Here's an example that may help you see this problem:
Wrong: A new Super Wal-Mart opened north of the town. This thrilled
many of the area residents.
Problem: What does the 'this" refer to? The "this" is a vague pronoun
reference that can be easily fixed by adding a noun for the pronoun to modify:
Right: A new Super Wal-Mart opened north of the town. This event thrilled
many of the area residents.
And one more example, with a different fix:
Wrong: John and Mary were both too far too young in 2001,
which accounts for their lack of knowledge about the terrorist attacks.
Problem: What does the "which" refer to? By adding an antecedent
("fact") for the which, it no longer is vague:
Right: John and Mary were both too far too young in 2001, a fact which
accounts for their lack of knowledge about the terrorist attacks.
Go to the next common college student writing flaw:
Overuse of Passive Voice.
Back to the main page of
The Top
15 Writing Flaws That Can Lead to Lower Grades
Looking for more writing assistance? Go to our sister site,
EnhanceMyWriting.com: Indispensable Writing Resources.
Questions about some of the terminology used in this article? Get more information
(definitions and links) on key academic terms by going to our
College Success Glossary. [Coming soon!]
Dr. Randall S. Hansen, CEO of EmpoweringSites.com, has been empowering people his
entire adult life -- to help them better their lives. In fact, empowerment is part of his professional
philosophy statement. He is also founder of
Quintessential Careers, one of the oldest and most
comprehensive career development sites on the Web, as well as founder of
MyCollegeSuccessStory.com and
EnhanceMyVocabulary.com. He is publisher of
Quintessential Careers Press
as well as a published author, with several books, chapters in books, and hundreds
of articles. He's often quoted in the media and conducts
empowering workshops around the country. Hansen is also an educator, having taught at the
college level for more than 15 years.
Dr. Katharine Hansen, Creative Director of EmpoweringSites.com,
is a former speechwriter and college instructor who provides content for several of our sites, including
Quintessential Careers,
MyCollegeSuccessStory.com, and
EnhanceMyVocabulary.com. She also edits
QuintZine, an electronic newsletter for job-seekers,
career counselors, and students. She is author of Dynamic Cover Letter for New Graduates; A Foot in the Door: Networking Your
Way into the Hidden Job Market; and, with Randall S. Hansen, Ph.D., Dynamic Cover Letters
and Write Your Way to a Higher GPA, all published by Ten Speed Press.
She can be reached by e-mail at kathy@quintcareers.com.
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