EXERCISE 34.4

Revise each of the following items to clarify pronoun reference. Most of the items can be revised in more than one way. If a pronoun refers ambiguously to more than one possible antecedent, revise the sentence to reflect each possible meaning. Example:

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  1. All scholarship applicants must fill out a financial aid form, meet with the dean, and write a letter to the committee members. The deadline is October 24, so they should start the process as soon as possible.
    All scholarship applicants must fill out a financial aid form, meet with the dean, and write a letter to the committee members. The deadline is October 24, so applicants should start the process as soon as possible.

  2. Patients on medication may relate better to their therapists, be less vulnerable to what disturbs them, and be more responsive to them.
    Patients on medication may relate better to their therapists and be more responsive to them; these patients may also be less vulnerable to what disturbs them.

  3. Ms. Dunbar wanted to speak to my mother before she spoke to me.
    Ms. Dunbar wanted to speak to my mother before speaking to me.

    Ms. Dunbar wanted to speak to my mother before I spoke to her.

  4. In Texas, you often hear about the influence of big oil corporations.
    Texans often hear about the influence of big oil corporations.

  5. A small band of protestors picketed the new shopping center, which outraged many residents.
    Many residents were outraged by a small band of protestors picketing the new shopping center.

    The new shopping center, which outraged many residents, was picketed by a small band of protestors.