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Checking for Vague & Ambiguous Usage

Checking for Vague & Ambiguous Usage.

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Checking for Vague & Ambiguous Usage

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  1. Checking for Vague & Ambiguous Usage updated fall 2004

  2. Writers are often tempted to useit, this, that, or whichas a kind of shortcut, a quick and easy way of referring to something mentioned earlier. Unfortunately, such shortcuts can often cause confusion. Make sure when you use these pronouns, that they refer clearly to a specific antecedent.The following slides illustrate some examples of vague and/or ambiguous usage. updated fall 2004

  3. Vague • When they realized the bill would be defeated, they tried to postpone the vote. However, it failed. What does itrefer to—the bill, the attempt to postpone a vote on it, or perhaps both? updated fall 2004

  4. Clear • When they realized the bill would be defeated, they tried to postpone the vote. However, theattempt failed. updated fall 2004

  5. Vague • Today has been wonderful: I finished my last paper, got an “A” on my drafting final, and registered for graduation. Because of this, I plan to celebrate. Does this refer only to the graduation? Or are all the events reason for the celebration? updated fall 2004

  6. Clear • Today has been wonderful: I finished my last paper, got an “A” on my drafting final, and registered for graduation. Because of thesefeats (accomplishments), I plan to celebrate. updated fall 2004

  7. Ambiguous • She read a review of the book, which confused her. What does which refer to: the review or the book? updated fall 2004

  8. Clear • She read a review of the book, aworkthat confused her. • She read a review of the book; thereview confused her. updated fall 2004

  9. If that or which opens a clause that refers to a specific noun, put that or which directly after the noun, if possible. updated fall 2004

  10. Ambiguous • We worked all night on the float for the Holiday Parade that our club was going to sponsor. Does that refer to the float or the Rose Parade? updated fall 2004

  11. Clear • We worked all night on the floatthat our club was going to sponsor for the Holiday Parade. updated fall 2004

  12. Was thisclear? What does this refer to? updated fall 2004

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