jazzmaster  +  686800 Sun, 15 Mar 09 10:09 AM If I read a sentence: Substance A is placed in substance B, allowing it to do something. What does "it" refer to?   Substance A, substance B or the entire preceding sentence? Explanation requested. Thanks in advance J jazzmaster Joined on Fri, Jul 25 2008 Junior Member 80 Sentences

	Grammar Geek  +  686916 Sun, 15 Mar 09 02:38 PM It's impossible to say whether the writer meant that A will do something or B will do something. Perhaps it means the A/B mixture.   Grammar Geek Joined on Tue, Jan 10 2006 Veteran Member 19,683 Barbara, who answers in American English. My housekeeping skills attest to the truth of the second law of thermodynamics: Left to themselves, things get more and more random!

	UsamaH  +  686944 Sun, 15 Mar 09 04:03 PM I considered "B" as I thought of it like that: Substance "B" was firstly alone and is not allowed to do something, but when substance "A" was added, It allowed it (B) to do that thing. Despite of my explanation, I would rather prefer GrammarGeek's explanation instead. UsamaH

	jazzmaster  +  687002 Sun, 15 Mar 09 07:07 PM Thanks UH for coming through once more I got your point.  Likewise, I like GG's explanation.  No matter how grammatically correct it may be, it does not make any sense if we the readers are left confused. Thanks again. jazzmaster

	Grammar Geek  +  687336 Mon, 16 Mar 09 02:55 PM jazzmaster “No matter how grammatically correct it may be, it does not make any sense if we the readers are left confused.”   jazzmaster, that is the #1, most important rule of ANY writing - make it clear and easy for the reader to know what you meant! It is more important than any rule of grammar, or any style guide. Let's say it again! jazzmaster “No matter how grammatically correct it may be, it does not make any sense if we the readers are left confused. ” Grammar Geek