Grammar

Yangtze

- More Pronouns - There are many other ways that readers can be confused about a pronoun reference. We will consider three more. The first example shows the need for being consistent: After one has rowed across Lake Poyanghu in the summer, you are likely to need a rest. Any sentence that uses the third-person one as well as the second-person you is likely to confuse the reader. Avoid this confusing shift by using one pronoun consistently: After you have rowed across Lake Poyanghu in the summer, you are likely to need a rest. The second example involves the indefinite pronouns: Everyone on the lake should anchor their boat carefully. A singular pronoun should be used to refer to indefinite adjectives or pronouns, such as everyone: Everyone on the lake should anchor her boat carefully. One way to remember the rule is to recite a series of examples, such as: One can see her own shadow. Anyone can see her own shadow. Nobody can see his own shadow. Anybody can see his own shadow. Everyone can see her own shadow. Everybody can see his own shadow. Each of the animals could see its own shadow. Every bird and insect could see its own shadow. Either loon could see its own shadow. Neither bat could see its own shadow. Our final example of improper pronoun reference is subtle: Neither Lu nor Liyao will cross the lake until they recover. The rule is to use a singular pronoun to refer to a compound subject that comprises several singular words united by or or nor: Neither Lu nor Liyao will cross the lake until she recovers.

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