Cohesion and Reference

Pronouns and linkers connect text.

Examples

• This, that, the former, the latter

Key rules

• Cohesive devices: pronouns, this/that, ellipsis, conjunctions, repetition
• Anaphora refers back, cataphora forward
• Use this + noun for clarity
• Avoid unclear pronoun reference

Common mistakes

• Tom told Jim he was late (unclear) → Tom told Jim that Jim was late
• They did it (what?) → They did this work