uw-madison writing center writer's handbook

Use this checklist as a list of reminders while you are editing your paper.

5. Unclear pronoun reference

All pronouns must clearly refer to definite referents [nouns].

Use it, they, this, that, these, those, and which carefully to prevent confusion.

Unclear pronoun reference	How to fix it
Einstein was a brilliant mathematician. This is how he was able to explain the universe.	Einstein, who was a brilliant mathematician, used his ability with numbers to explain the universe.
Because Senator Martin is less interested in the environment than in economic development, he sometimes neglects it.	Because of his interest in economic development, Senator Martin sometimes neglects the environment.