Identifying Vague Words and Phrases

What is a vague pronoun?

• a word that takes the place of a noun

• a pronoun that is confusing because it could refer to more than one person or thing

• a pronoun that does not exist

Does this sentence have a vague or unclear pronoun?

Both Isabel and Barbara loved her children.

• Yes

• No

Which option BEST fixes the vague or unclear pronoun in the sentence below?

Both Isabel and Barbara loved her children.

• Both Barbara and Isabel loved her children.

• Her children were loved by Isabel and Barbara.

• Isabel's children were loved by her and Barbara.

Does this sentence have a vague or unclear pronoun?

Billy told Jake that no one would know he committed a crime.

• Yes

• No

Which option BEST fixes the vague or unclear pronoun in the sentence below?

Billy told Jake that no one would know he committed a crime.

• Jake told Billy that no one would know he committed a crime.

• Billy told Jake, "No one will know you committed a crime."

• No one would know he committed a crime.

Does this sentence have a vague or unclear pronoun?

Anyone who wants to be an astronaut must be in his or her best shape.

• Yes

• No

Does this sentence have a vague or unclear pronoun?

If the kids do not enjoy the toys, take them back to the store.

• Yes

• No

Which option BEST fixes the vague or unclear pronoun in the sentence below?

If the kids do not enjoy the toys, take them back to the store.

• Return the toys if they are not enjoyed by the kids.

• Return the kids to the store if they are not enjoyed by the toys.

• The kids and the toys can be taken back to the store if they are not enjoyed.

Does this sentence have a vague or unclear pronoun?

All of the students understood pronouns, so everyone earned an A+.

• Yes

• No

Which of the sentences below contains a vague pronoun?

• Mom and Lauren ate their dinner together.

• Mom gave Lauren her dinner.