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Three Steps to Fix Pronoun Problems Editor's Notes #109
October 31, 2011
Hello,

"Clarity, clarity,
surely clarity is the most beautiful thing in the world."

--George Oppen


In this issue:

1. Three steps to fix problem pronouns
2. Tickled my funnybone
3. Interesting Web site

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1. Three steps to fix problem pronouns
In the last issue, we looked at fifteen problem pronouns and saw an example of how easy it is to confuse a reader with pronouns.
https://www.writershelper.com/Editors_Notes-editors-notes-109.html

In this issue, we move on to fixing the problem.

Find and correct any misused pronouns in your work using these three steps. The steps are simple. They do take time.

1. Use the find feature on your computer to locate each of the pronouns in the list from the last issue, one by one.

On a Mac, I use command+F. Then I enter the word or phrase I'm looking for and hit return.

On a PC, click the Find button on the Home tab. It's in the Editing group. Type the text you want to find into Find What. Click the Find Next button.

2. Each time you locate a pronoun using the find feature, look for the nearest noun that comes before the pronoun. Remember that nouns are people, places, or things.

3. If the pronoun refers to the nearest preceding noun, you are done with that pronoun, and you move on to the next pronoun. If there is a problem, consider putting in the noun you meant to refer to. In most cases, this will fix the problem. If the noun itself sounds awkward, reword as much of the section as you need to to make your meaning clear while sounding good to the ear.

Then move on to the next instance of that pronoun.

On a Mac, I do that simply by hitting the return key again.

On a PC hit the Find Next button again.

Then move on to the next of the fifteen pronouns.

Repeat until all pronouns have been checked.

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2.Tickled my funnybone
Inoculatte : To take coffee intravenously when you are running late.

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3. Interesting Web site
Check out this site to be inspired about how to market your own book. Take notes as you watch and listen to the videos (on the right side of the page) and as you read the recap. What makes each one appealing? What could you do to advertise your own book like those that are recapped?
http://www.60secondrecap.com/library/

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