Today’s topic:
Using clear writing to help the reader
Using “it” and “they”
The Down Low:
“It” and “they” are some of the most common words in the English language. But the word “it” alone can be a subject, object, determiner or a predicative complement. And the word “they” can either be a singular or plural pronoun. If “it” and “they” are used too much, or incorrectly, readers may misunderstand your meaning. Good writing skills mean readers clearly understand your sentences.
Example
Before:
“The Monarch Butterfly is endangered. They want to save it so it is not threatened.”
Concept inspired by a sentence seen in a leading magazine (subject changed).
After:
“The Monarch Butterfly is endangered. People want to save the colorful insect so that it’s not threatened.”
Which sentence is clearer?
The example in the left “Before” box has two “it” words (and a “they”). Even when the context is known, overuse of “it” and “they” may baffle a reader. When “they” and “it” are changed into clearer words a reader will better understand the meaning (see “After” box on the right).
Using “it” for emphasis:
Compare the two sentences below:
1. In 1973 the Endangered Species Act changed our attitude towards sea turtles.
2. It was in 1973 that we changed our attitude towards sea turtles when the Endangered Species Act passed.
Which sentence above is clearer?
In Sentence #2 the words “it was” are used to emphasize a topic. In grammar-speak, using “it” to emphasize a topic is called an It-shift, a syntactic device. This concept is taken from the book, Style – Ten Lessons in Clarity, by Joseph M. Williams (see information in “Credits”).
Using “it” as subject:
Compare the two sentences below:
1. That California quails eat berries, insects, and roots is a known fact.
2. It is a known fact that California quails eat berries, insects, and roots.
Which sentence above is clearer?
Sentence #2 avoids the long introductory clause seen in Sentence #1 (“that quails eat berries and roots…”). Plus, in Sentence #2, the word “it” is used as a subject. Using “it” as a subject, in grammar-speak, is called an It-shift, a syntactic device. This concept taken from the book, Style – Ten Lessons in Clarity, by Joseph M. Williams.
| Credits: |
| “Close-up of a Monarch Butterfly perched on a green leaf in sunlight,” by Andy Staver / Pexels |
| “Tiny sea turtle making its way to the ocean on a Puerto Rican beach,” by Jolo Diaz |
| “Female and Chick Quails” California State Bird (Callipepla Californica) – Author Alan Vernon; Uploaded by Snowmanradio (USA) Located at: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Callipepla_californica_-California,USA-female_and_chick-_8.jpg “A baby sea turtle makes its way to the ocean on a sunny beach day,” by Atlantic Ambience / Pexels “A close-up shot of pheasants in a field with dry grass. Wildlife photography at its best,” by Denitsa Kireva |
| “Style – Ten Lessons in Clarity,” by Joseph M. Williams (5th edition), Published by Addison-Wesley Educational Publishers, 1997. |
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