Referencing and substitution
This, these, such, the former — avoid repetition and make text flow.
Why it matters
At Band 6, 'the use of reference and substitution may lack flexibility or clarity'; at Band 7, reference and substitution are 'used flexibly'. Referencing reduces repetition, which also helps Lexical Resource, and makes paragraphs read as connected arguments rather than lists.
The rules
This / these + summary noun refers back to a whole idea.
Fees have tripled. This increase has deterred poorer students.
Such + noun refers to a type already described.
Such policies are rarely popular.
The former / the latter for the first or second of two items.
Trains and buses… the former are faster, the latter cheaper.
Substitute with one / ones / do so to avoid repeating.
Older phones are cheaper than newer ones.
Model sentences
- Many governments now tax sugary drinks. This approach has reduced consumption in Mexico by around a tenth.
- Both cars and bicycles were surveyed; the latter accounted for just 4% of journeys.
- Few employers offer flexible hours, but those that do report higher retention.
Common mistakes
Incorrect: Pollution is rising. It is a problem and it affects health and it costs money.
Correct: Pollution is rising. This trend damages health and imposes significant costs.
Vague 'it' repeated; use a summary noun.
Incorrect: This show that…
Correct: This shows that…
'This' as a pronoun is singular.
Incorrect: Using 'the latter' for the last of three items.
Correct: Use 'the last' — former/latter refer to two items only.
Band tip
Check yourself
Improve: 'Some parents ban phones at dinner. Banning phones at dinner improves conversation.'
Some parents ban phones at dinner. This rule tends to improve conversation.
Coffee vs tea: 'Coffee sales rose while tea sales fell; ___ dropped by 12%.'
the latter
Avoid repetition: 'I prefer new books to old books.'
I prefer new books to old ones.