Pronoun Reference

Which contains a vague pronoun reference?

• As Joe was talking to Sam, Sam started to cry.

• As Joe was talking to Sam, he started to cry.

Which sentence has a vague pronoun error?

• Armand visited George after his graduation ceremony had ended.
  

• The puppet show performed by Henry was undoubtedly his best creation yet.
  

• The dog ate all the food in its bowl and all the food in the kitty's bowl too.
  

• My dad spent the entire afternoon raking up all the leaves in our front and backyard.
  

Choose the correct sentence:

• The economist predicts a rise in production; this is certainly encouraging to all of us looking for jobs. 

• The economist predicts a rise in production, which is certainly encouraging to all of us looking for jobs. 

• The economist predicts a rise in production; this prediction is certainly encouraging to all of us looking for jobs. 

They explained to the audience that a muskrat looks like a small beaver with a rat-like tail.

• This sentence is OK

• This sentence has a vague pronoun reference

Ron and I ate lunch at that restaurant his dad owns.

• This sentence is OK

• This sentence has an unclear pronoun reference

Mr. Castro is here with his father. Would you like me to introduce you to HIM? (This is vague. Who could him refer to in this sentence?)

• Mr. Castro

• father

• me

• Mr. Castro and father

The Mosleys were in charge, but the Smiths brought food too. I thought THEIR food was delicious.(This is vague. Who could their refer to in this sentence?)

• Mosleys and Smiths

• Mosleys and food

• Smiths and picnic

• delicious and food

Which one does NOT a vague pronoun?

• Although the bike hit the tree, it was not damaged.

• The pirates left their gold in a hidden cave.

• Even though Jane invited Sue to the party, she was still upset.

• My aunt visited Paula; it was the first time she had ever left the state. 

They explained to the audience that a muskrat looks like a small beaver with a rat-like tail. (Is this OK, or does it have a vague pronoun reference?)

• OK

• vague pronoun reference

Choose the correct sentence:

• Michelle is proud to drive a Mustang because of its sportily built body and superb performance. 

• Michelle is proud to drive a Mustang because of their sportily built bodies and superb performance. 

• Michelle is proud to drive a Mustang because of their sportily built body and superb performance.