Edit yourself: Distant pronouns

ClearTips: Edit yourself

Distant pronouns

Another big problem with pronouns is introducing them at some distance from their noun. That sets the pronoun adrift. It is solved by repeating the noun that the distant pronoun stands for.

CHANGE TO

Another big problem with pronouns is introducing them at some distance from their noun. That sets the pronoun adrift. The problem is solved by repeating the noun that the distant pronoun stands for.

Or get rid of the pronoun.

Many of the world's indigenous people take a view of nature that differs strikingly from conventional attitudes. They are estimated to number more than 250 million.

CHANGE TO

Many of the world's indigenous people-estimated to number more than 250 million-take a view of nature that differs strikingly from conventional attitudes.

Back to Edit yourself • Next