These directions show one reason why it’s important to use pronouns clearly:
When you see a dirt road turning left off Winston Lane, follow it for two more miles.
The word it could mean either the dirt road or Winston Lane. Pronouns can improve understanding, but only when they’re used carefully and accurately.
Quick Help: Editing for case
Quick Help: Editing for clear pronoun reference
Quick Help: Editing for pronoun-antecedent agreement
Quick Help: Editing out the generic use of he, his, or him
Understanding pronoun case
Using who, whoever, whom, and whomever
Considering case in compound structures
Considering case in elliptical constructions
Using we or us before a noun
Making pronouns agree with antecedents
Avoiding sexist pronouns
Revising ambiguous pronoun references
Revising vague use of it, this, that, and which
Using who, which, or that to refer to people
Revising indefinite use of you, it, and they
Revising implied antecedents