MGMAT SC example - why ambigiuous antecedent

Question

Hi there,

this is an example from the MGMAT SC book:

One point that is raised several times in the MGMAT book is that pronouns with the same function (or case) in a clause sometimes (but not always) refer back to the noun in the same case. Above example is one of the "but not always" cases:

Apparently "they" (which is a subject pronoun) does not refer back to the noun "researchers" (which is the subject of the main clause). The same applies to "them" (object case) that does not clearly refer back to "nano-papers" (object of the main clause).

Does anyone know a somewhat more solid rule that explains when to be sure that a pronoun in a particular case refers back to a noun in the same case?

gmattokyo · Answer

I think you got it the other way?
"they" actually refers to researchers and "them" to nano papers.

If in a test, I'll definitely choose a option which clears the ambiguity. In the context of the sentence though, the "nano-papers" will not allege so I guess that is the logic that THEY is not ambiguous.
But THEM I'm not so sure about. For all we know, maybe "nano-paper" is some new developed diet which the researchers are eating for getting the strength of cast-iron... ironman :wink:

enfinity · Answer

Actually, that's exacly what I meant ("they" refers to researchers and "them" to nano papers) BUT the MGMAT book made it very clear that the antecedents are unclear. I agree with gmattokyo on the fact that I would not choose this option in the test because it's too risky

jade3 · Answer

Here in this sentence “they” has a correct antecedent. The antecedent is “researchers”. The reason for this is that "nano paper" or "cellulose fibers” cannot allege, because they are non living things but people can.
 
But “them” doesn’t has a clear antecedent. Here “them” could refer to “researchers” or to “cellulose fibers”.

kirankp · Answer

I agree in parts here but lets say that, "they" refers to researchers and "them" to nano papers, but since there is no where stated "they" might also refer to nano papers, here lies a level of ambiguity.

and the rule about antecedent says that every pronoun has one antecedent and in the sentence there s a possibility so it is ambiguous.

prasadrg · Answer

In any case, It is better to skip these kind of sentences in GMAT when you have an unambiguous sentence.

DestinyChild · Answer

point made in MGMAT book is to take away ambiguity by   'recasting'   pronouns respect to what their 'assumed' antecedents are...!
So if They & Them are regularly used third person pronouns... judging by antecendents available ... recast them...

prasadrg,
Did you mean skip question in GMAT exam?

MGMAT SC example - why ambigiuous antecedent

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