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Bhikkhu1991 Posted 18 years ago
Grammar
What are the words 'he' referred to?
Hello,
I have recently raised the topic on an environmental campaign with Tom. He had spoken to the organizer that he was willing to participate to save the planet. However, the organizer objected to his decision because he had to take care of his ailing son. Sadly, his son was admitted to hospital. Tom also looked after his son. Later, after he was discharged upon request, he was continually taken care of by his family in the house until he died.
What are the antecedents of the underlined words 'he' in the last sentence of the above paragraph, please?
I am confused whether the words 'he' are referring to the ailing son or the father Tom and who had actually died. I would like to know your opinion whether some specific words can insert into the sentence or sentences to clear any confusion of the words 'he'.
I hope to hear from you soon.
Thank you.
With best wishes.
I have recently raised the topic on an environmental campaign with Tom. He had spoken to the organizer that he was willing to participate to save the planet. However, the organizer objected to his decision because he had to take care of his ailing son. Sadly, his son was admitted to hospital. Tom also looked after his son. Later, after he was discharged upon request, he was continually taken care of by his family in the house until he died.
What are the antecedents of the underlined words 'he' in the last sentence of the above paragraph, please?
I am confused whether the words 'he' are referring to the ailing son or the father Tom and who had actually died. I would like to know your opinion whether some specific words can insert into the sentence or sentences to clear any confusion of the words 'he'.
I hope to hear from you soon.
Thank you.
With best wishes.
Top answer
Hi, bhikkhu1991 However, the organizer objected to his decision because he had to take care of his ailing son. Sadly, his son was admitted to hospital. Tom also looked after his son.
- Hi, bhikkhu1991 However, the organizer objected to his decision because he had to take care of his ailing son.
- Sadly, his son was admitted to hospital.
- Tom also looked after his son.
- Later, after he was discharged upon request, he was continually taken care of by his family in the house until he died.
- Although I agree that the paragraph could have been worded better, I think the context makes it clear that " he " refers to the son.
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1 Answers
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Hi,
bhikkhu1991However, the organizer objected to his decision because he had to take care of his ailing son. Sadly, his son was admitted to hospital. Tom also looked after his son. Later, after he was discharged upon request, he was continually taken care of by his family in the house until he died.Although I agree that the paragraph co
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