Grammar Worksheet — Intro
Cohesive Reference and Determiners
Explanation
Cohesive reference links ideas without repeating full noun phrases.
Use this and these carefully so the reader can identify the previous idea or noun.
Formal determiners such as such, former, latter, respective, and aforementioned help manage complex information.
Form
| Use | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Core form | this/these + noun | This trend continued for several years. |
| Variation | such + noun | Such measures require public support. |
| Advanced form | the former / the latter | The former is cheaper; the latter is more reliable. |
Avoid vague this at the start of a sentence; add a summary noun: This problem, This trend, This decision.
Use respective to connect items in the same order: Spain and Portugal won their respective matches.
Examples
- This trend continued for several years.
- Such measures require public support.
- The former is cheaper; the latter is more reliable.
- The two teams submitted their respective reports.
- These findings challenge earlier assumptions.
- The aforementioned policy will be reviewed annually.
- This decision created uncertainty for investors.
- One approach focuses on cost; the other prioritises quality.
Common Mistakes
- This continued for several years. → This trend continued for several years. Add a clear summary noun after this.
- Such a measures require support. → Such measures require support. Use such + plural noun without a.
- The former is more reliable; the former is cheaper. → The former is more reliable; the latter is cheaper. Use latter for the second of two items.
- The two teams submitted its respective reports. → The two teams submitted their respective reports. Use plural possessive their with plural subject.