7 Steps to Better Writing - Charles Maxwell 2020
Avoid confusing pronouns
Step 6 – Revise
Eliminate confusing pronouns. Below are examples.
Poor: Ambiguous Pronouns |
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The woman talked to her coworker about the problem she was having with her friend, who kept visiting the office seeking her help revising her resume to apply for a position at her former company. |
Better: Clear |
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Jane talked to Terry about Jane’s friend Maria, who wanted to apply for a position at Jane’s former company and who kept visiting the office seeking Terry’s help revising her resume. |
Poor: Ambiguous Pronouns |
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The inspector told the electrician that he made a mistake. |
Better: Clear |
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The inspector said, “I made a mistake.” |
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The inspector told the electrician, “You made a mistake.” |
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The inspector admitted to the electrician that he made a mistake. |
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The inspector accused the electrician of making a mistake. |
Poor: Ambiguous Pronouns |
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The accountant sat at the desk and worked on her laptop PC. It was too small. |
Better: Clear |
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+ |
The accountant sat at the desk, which was too small, and worked on her laptop PC. |
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The accountant sat at the desk and worked on her laptop PC, which was too small. |