Pronouns: make the reference clear

Make the reference clear

Make each pronoun point clearly to a noun or idea. Repeat a name or noun if two references are possible.

Worked example: Unclear: When Maya called Sara, she sounded worried. Clear: When Maya called Sara, Maya sounded worried. Repeating Maya identifies the worried person.

Singular they and reflexives

Use they/their for a person whose gender is unknown. A reflexive pronoun points back to the subject of its clause.

Worked example: If a learner forgets their password, they can reset it. They refers to one learner; it refers to the password.

Try before checking

1. Rewrite When Maya called Sara, she was worried so that Sara is clearly the worried person.
2. Complete: A visitor left a message. They ___ waiting outside.
3. Choose and explain: Please email Nila and me / myself.

The app classroom includes the full guided practice and an independent notice rewrite with a separate model.