Indefinite reference of #em#they, it#/em#, or #em#you#/em#

Do not use they to refer indefinitely to persons who have not been specifically mentioned. If you use the pronoun they, it should refer to a specific antecedent.

Example sentence with editing. Original sentence: In 2001, they shut down all government agencies for more than a month until the budget crisis was resolved. Revised sentence: In 2001, Congress shut down all government agencies for more than a month until the budget crisis was resolved. Explanation: The word 'they' has been replaced by 'Congress.'

The word it should not be used indefinitely in constructions such as the following.

Example sentence with editing. Original sentence: In the encyclopedia it states that male moths can smell female moths from several miles away. Revised sentence: The encyclopedia states that male moths can smell female moths from several miles away.

The pronoun you is appropriate when the writer is addressing the reader directly:

Example sentence: Once you have kneaded the dough, let it rise in a warm place.

Except in very informal contexts, however, the indefinite you (meaning “anyone in general”) is inappropriate.

Example sentence with editing. Original sentence: Ms. Pickersgill's Guide to Etiquette stipulates that you should not arrive at a party too early or leave too late. Revised sentence: Ms. Pickersgill's Guide to Etiquette stipulates that a guest should not arrive at a party too early or leave too late.

The writer could have replaced you with one, but in American English the pronoun one can seem stilted.

Exercise: Pronoun reference 1

Exercise: Pronoun reference 2

Exercise: Pronoun reference 3

Exercise: Pronoun reference 4

antecedent The noun or pronoun to which a pronoun refers.