GED Reasoning Through Language ArtsLanguage Conventions and UsageHard
A student is proofreading a research paper and finds a sentence with an unclear pronoun reference. Which sentence demonstrates correct pronoun-antecedent agreement and clarity?
- AThe scientists presented their findings to the committee, which impressed them.
- BWhen the scientists presented their findings to the committee, they were impressed.
- CWhen the scientists presented their findings to the committee, the committee was impressed.
- DThe scientists impressed the committee when they presented their findings.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. When the scientists presented their findings to the committee, the committee was impressed.
Pronoun-antecedent agreement requires that a pronoun clearly refers to its antecedent. In options A, B, and C, the pronoun 'they' or 'them' could ambiguously refer to either 'scientists' or 'committee'. Option D avoids this ambiguity by explicitly naming 'the committee' as the subject that was impressed.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The pronoun 'them' is ambiguous; it's unclear whether 'them' refers to the scientists or the committee.
- B. The pronoun 'they' is ambiguous; it's unclear whether 'they' refers to the scientists or the committee.
- D. The pronoun 'they' is ambiguous; it's unclear whether 'they' refers to the scientists or the committee.
Pronoun-Antecedent Clarity
A pronoun's antecedent must be clear and unambiguous. If a pronoun could refer to more than one noun, the sentence should be rephrased for clarity.
- Pronouns replace nouns (antecedents)
- Must agree in number (singular/plural)
- Must agree in gender (masculine/feminine/neuter)
- Must have a clear, unambiguous antecedent
Memory trick: Pronouns should point clearly, like a laser.