English ACT Aspire Practice Test

What is a vague pronoun?

1. A pronoun that clarifies the subject

2. A pronoun that refers specifically to a character

3. A pronoun that does not clearly state who it refers to

4. A term that describes all pronouns

The correct answer is: A pronoun that does not clearly state who it refers to

A vague pronoun is characterized by its lack of clarity regarding what or whom it refers to. When a pronoun is considered vague, it can create confusion for the reader because it does not provide sufficient information to understand the intended antecedent. For example, if someone says, “When John and Mike arrived, he was late,” the pronoun "he" is vague because it is unclear whether it refers to John or Mike. This lack of specificity undermines the clarity of communication, which is essential for effective writing. Clear pronoun references enhance the reader's understanding by explicitly indicating who or what is being discussed. Therefore, identifying a pronoun as vague typically points to its potential to mislead or confuse within the context of a sentence.