Working with dependent clauses and references

Ivy Wigmore — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 14:29:44 +0000

Which is correct?
A business rules engine allows users to specify logic to a computer, ________________________
a. which will then be executed.
b. which will then execute it.

Answer: b

Explanation:
The last part of the sentence is a dependent clause, which we understand refers to the nearest noun, “computer.” So the first sentence would suggest that the computer will be executed, which makes me think of Dave pulling the plug on Hal.

Let’s look at a variation that might serve to clarify:

The CEO is going to describe the plan to the team, which will then be executed.

Unless this is an “I could tell you — but then I’d have to kill you” situation, we’d better change that to:

The CEO describes the plan to the team, which will then execute it.

Clarity of reference

Ivy Wigmore — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 14:10:16 +0000

Which is correct?
Insourcing offers some advantages over outsourcing for SMBs but _________ may not be fully explored.
a. those advantages
b. they

Answer: a.

Explanation: For clarity, you need to specify what may not be fully explored. Otherwise, the reader could think the reference was to SMBs.

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Working with dependent clauses and references

Clarity of reference