Y06W29GR Replace vague this/that (cohesion nouns)

Replace vague this/that (cohesion nouns)

Writers often use this or that to link ideas. That can work, but if the reader is not sure what this or that means, the sentence becomes blurry. A clear cohesion noun such as this effort or that suggestion keeps meaning respectful and easy to follow.

You’ll learn
  • how vague this and that can confuse a reader
  • how to replace them with a clear cohesion noun
  • how clearer reference can make credit lines stronger
Core ideas
  • Reference means pointing back to an earlier idea.
  • Antecedent is the earlier word or idea that the sentence points to.
  • Cohesion noun is a naming word added after this or that, such as this idea or that effort.
  • Clarity improves when the reader knows exactly what is being praised.
  • Respect grows when credit is linked to a specific action or contribution.

How it works

1Notice when this or that is too vague

Sometimes this or that points back clearly. Sometimes it does not. Good writers check whether the reader can tell what is being named.

  • Vague pointing happens when too many ideas come before this. For example, Mia planned the slides, checked the facts and fixed the title. This helped the group is not very clear.
  • Reader check helps you decide if more naming is needed.
  • Best choice is not just using this, but using it clearly.

2Add a cohesion noun

A cohesion noun gives this or that a name. It helps the reader know exactly what kind of thing is being discussed.

  • Specific naming makes the link stronger. For example, This planning helped the group is clearer than This helped the group.
  • Useful nouns include idea, effort, suggestion, support, change, plan and research.
  • Credit lines sound fairer when the noun matches the contribution.

3Match the noun to the meaning

Not every noun works in every sentence. The noun should fit the action or contribution you are naming.

  • Meaning match matters because this effort and this suggestion do not mean the same thing.
  • Careful choice helps the reader understand what was valuable. For example, That suggestion improved our ending fits better than That thing improved our ending.
  • Respectful tone grows when the wording sounds precise and thoughtful.

4Keep the sentence smooth

A cohesion noun should make the sentence clearer, not heavier. Short, natural wording often works best.

  • Simple phrasing is usually strongest. For example, This support saved time is smooth and clear.
  • Too much detail can slow the sentence, especially after a long first clause.
  • Flow improves when the new noun links back neatly to the earlier idea.

See it in action

Fixing vague this

Before

Aria checked the spelling, and this helped the poster.

After ✓

Aria checked the spelling, and this effort helped the poster.

The change is better because the reader now knows what this refers to.

Naming the contribution clearly

Before

Leo suggested a shorter title. That improved the heading.

After ✓

Leo suggested a shorter title. That suggestion improved the heading.

The change is better because the noun matches the kind of contribution.

Making credit more respectful

Before

Sam organised the group notes. This was useful.

After ✓

Sam organised the group notes. This organisation was useful.

The change is better because the praise is linked to a specific action.

Keeping the sentence smooth

Before

Maya found three strong facts for the introduction. This piece of work from her was helpful.

After ✓

Maya found three strong facts for the introduction. This research was helpful.

The change is better because the wording is shorter and clearer.

Quick check
  • Check this and that to see if the meaning is clear.
  • Add a cohesion noun when the pointing word feels vague.
  • Choose a noun that matches the contribution.
  • Keep the wording short and natural.
  • Clear reference makes praise and credit stronger.
Metalanguage
  • reference(n.) the link back to an earlier idea, such as the pointing word in this effort
  • antecedent(n.) the earlier idea being pointed to, such as checked the spelling
  • cohesion noun(n.) a noun that makes the link clearer, such as suggestion in that suggestion
  • clarity(n.) easy understanding for the reader, such as the stronger meaning in this research