When I started writing, I made this common error: ambiguous pronoun reference. Ambiguous pronoun reference occurs when pronouns such as this, that, these, those, it, they, or them are used without a clear antecedent (noun or noun phrase that the pronoun replaces or represents). Don’t worry, I’ve got examples for you!
Error: “The team worked tirelessly on the project, and it was completed ahead of schedule. This impressed the client.” (It’s unclear whether this refers to the project or the fact that it was completed ahead of schedule. This confuses readers.)
Corrected: “The team worked tirelessly and completed the project ahead of schedule. Their hard work impressed the client.” (Even though I still have a pronoun here, their, it is not ambiguous in its reference.)
Error: “The students attended the seminar and found it informative. This boosted their confidence.” (It’s unclear whether this refers to their attendance, the seminar, or what they found to be informative.)
Corrected: “The students attended the seminar and found it informative. The new information they learned boosted their confidence.” (It is also a pronoun, however the reference is not ambiguous.)
When you write, make it a habit when you use a pronoun to ask yourself, “This, what?” or “They, who?” If there could be more than one answer, you have work to do to clarify and simplify.
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