Transcript Grammar Notes – Using Pronouns Part 3 - Mrs. Freeman

Grammar Notes – Using
Pronouns Part 3
English II
10th Grade
2/24
Pronoun Problems - Appositives
• When a pronoun is followed by an appositive, drop
the appositive from the sentence to determine
which pronoun to use.
• Example:
• The oboe players are having lunch with (we, us) cellists.
• The oboe players are having lunch with (we, us).
• When a pronoun is used in an appositive, rewrite
the sentence with the appositive by itself to
determine which pronoun to use.
• Example:
• Holly sang for the two tenors, Marcello and (he, him).
• Holly sang for Marcello and (he, him).
2/25
Pronoun Problems - Comparisons
• A comparison can be made by using than or as to
begin a clause:
• Ex.: Lily has more books than she has.
• When words are left out of such a clause, the
clause is said to be elliptical:
• Ex.: Lily has more books than she.
• Fill in the words missing from the elliptical clause to
help you choose the correct pronoun.
• Ex.: You can play as well as (he, him). [can play]
2/26
Pronoun Reference – Indefinite Reference
• Writers often make the mistake of using the pronouns it,
they, and you without clear reference. Eliminate indefinitereference problems by rewriting the sentences:
Unclear
Revised
In the article, it claims that The article claims that the
the new book is terrific.
new book is terrific.
They state in the article
that the poems are fresh
and exciting.
The writer states in the
article that the poems are
fresh and exciting.
In the new book, you
have more rhyming
poems.
The new book has more
rhyming poems in it.
2/27
Pronoun Reference – General Reference
• Writers will make the mistake of using it, this, that, which,
and such are used to refer to general ideas rather than to
specific noun antecedents. Correct these errors by adding a
clear antecedent or by rewriting the sentence.
Unclear
Revised
Trudy practices the guitar
every day. This has
improved her playing.
Malcolm broke a guitar
string, which ended the
band’s rehearsal.
Trudy practices the guitar
every day. Practicing has
improved her playing.
The band’s rehearsal
ended because Malcolm
broke a guitar string.
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Pronoun Reference – Ambiguous Reference
• Ambiguous means “having more than one meaning.” An
ambiguous reference problem occurs whenever more than
one word might be a pronoun’s antecedent. Eliminate these
problems by revising the sentences.
Ambiguous
Revised
Jeb talked to Max while
he listened to music.
While Jeb listened to
music, he talked to Max.
Carol told Rita that she
was the next singer to
perform.
Rita was the next singer
to perform, and Carol told
her to get ready.