1.94 Referring to people and things without naming them: pronouns

When we use language, both in speech and writing, we constantly refer to things we have already mentioned or are about to mention.

We can do this by repeating the noun group, but unless there is a special reason to do so we are more likely to use a pronoun instead.

Pronouns make statements less repetitive while showing how the subjects and objects of a clause or a series of clauses are connected.

• John took the book and opened it.
• Deborah recognized the knife as hers.
• Shilton was pleased with himself.
• This is a very busy place.

However, if you have mentioned two or more different things, you usually have to repeat the noun group to make it clear which thing you are now talking about.

• Leaflets and scraps of papers were scattered all over the floor. I started to pick up the leaflets.
• I could see a lorry and a car. The lorry stopped.

For other ways of talking about things that have already been mentioned, see the section on cohesion at paragraphs 9.2 to 9.40.