Reference and Lexical Cohesion

Reference

Common mistakes

1. We met Ana, Tom and Leo; the latter was late. → We met Ana, Tom and Leo; Leo was late.
   the latter → only two items
2. Prices fell. It surprised analysts, the pattern repeated. → Prices fell. This pattern surprised analysts.
   use a shell noun for the idea
3. Ana and Tom were 20 and 22 years old respectfully. → … 20 and 22 years old respectively.
   respectively, not respectfully
4. The dog ran off. The dog was found. The dog was fine. → The dog ran off. It was found, and the animal was fine.
   vary reference across sentences

Reference and Lexical Cohesion — Exercises

Choose the best reference

Circle the correct answer.

1. Many cities have banned cars from the centre. _____ has reduced pollution. (This policy / It policy / That one)
2. I like tea and coffee, but _____ keeps me awake. (the latter / the last / the second one of them)
3. The first and second prizes went to Ana and Leo _____ . (respectively / respectfully / in respect)
4. Before _____ entered, the actor took a deep breath. (he / the actor / him)
5. Some people claim the Earth is flat. _____ is easily disproved. (Such a claim / Such claim / A such claim)
6. A golden eagle landed on the roof. _____ stayed for an hour. (The bird / A bird / Bird)
7. We could go by train or by car. _____ is cheaper; the latter is faster. (The former / The first / Former)
8. Unemployment has fallen for a year. _____ is expected to continue. (This trend / That they / It trend)

Complete the reference

Write the missing word or words.

1. We visited Porto and Lisbon; the   is the capital.
2. Ana and Sam got 9 and 7   .
3. Some schools start at 10 am. Such an   has benefits for teenagers. (approach)
4. Prices doubled in a year. This   worried everyone. (increase)
5. A Siamese cat appeared in our garden. The   was clearly lost. (general word)
6. She has two jobs: teacher and writer. The   pays the bills.

Reference and Lexical Cohesion — Answer Key

Choose the best reference

1. This policy — Shell noun summing up the idea → This policy.
2. the latter — Two items → the latter = coffee.
3. respectively — respectively = in the same order.
4. he — Cataphora: he points forward to the actor.
5. Such a claim — Such a + shell noun.
6. The bird — Lexical chain: specific → general with the: The bird.
7. The former — The former … the latter.
8. This trend — Shell noun → This trend.

Complete the reference

1. latter
2. respectively
3. approach
4. increase
5. cat
6. former