5 exercises — using forward-pointing reference devices like the following and here's what to set up findings and lists in specs and postmortems.
Key patterns:
cataphora — a reference word points forward to content that follows
anaphora — a reference word points back to something already mentioned (the more common default)
the following / here's what / this much — clear, explicit cataphoric setups
avoid using vague it cataphorically — readers expect "it" to resolve backward
0 / 20 completed
1 / 20
Which sentence correctly uses cataphoric reference — a pronoun or reference word pointing forward to information that follows, rather than back to something already mentioned?
In option B, "this" refers forward to the insight stated after the colon — that is cataphoric reference. Options A, C, and D all use anaphoric reference, where "it"/"which" point back to something already introduced earlier in the sentence or discourse (the database, the fix). Cataphora is common in technical writing when a colon, dash, or introductory clause sets up content that follows.
2 / 20
A design doc opens a section with: "_____ we need to solve first: how do we handle partial failures during the migration?" Which word correctly sets up a cataphoric reference to the question that follows?
"Here is what" explicitly signals that the content pointing forward will follow immediately, making the cataphoric link unambiguous and natural before a colon and question. "It" (option A) is typically used for extraposition or anaphora, not to introduce an upcoming clause this way. "This" (option B) could work but is less natural without additional structure ("This is what we need to solve first" would fit better). "That" (option D) conventionally points backward (anaphoric), making it a poor fit for introducing new forthcoming content.
3 / 20
Which sentence uses a cataphoric structure to build suspense or emphasis before revealing a technical finding, a common pattern in postmortem executive summaries?
Option C uses "here's what" cataphorically, building anticipation before revealing the specific cause after the colon — a common rhetorical technique in executive summaries to foreground the key finding. Options A, B, and D all present the information in a more linear, non-cataphoric order, stating context first and the finding as a natural continuation rather than a forward-pointing setup.
4 / 20
Which sentence demonstrates a cataphoric reference error — a forward-pointing reference word with no clear referent following it, causing confusion?
Option B is confusing because "it" is used cataphorically before its referent ("a retry storm...") is introduced, but "it" is a weak, ambiguous pronoun that readers naturally expect to resolve backward — using it cataphorically here creates a jarring, hard-to-parse structure. Options A, C, and D use clearer cataphoric setups ("this much", "the following", "this scenario") that explicitly signal forward reference, which is the conventional and readable way to construct cataphora in technical prose.
5 / 20
Which sentence correctly uses "the following" as a cataphoric device to introduce a list in a specification document?
"The following" is a standard cataphoric device that clearly points forward to an itemized list, and option A places it in natural word order directly before the colon. Option B substitutes the vague pronoun "it", which lacks the explicit forward-pointing clarity of "the following". Options C and D awkwardly front the list or "the following formats" in non-standard word order, disrupting the natural cataphoric flow.
6 / 20
John: 'The new API endpoint returns 400. We need to investigate further.'
Which of the following sentences best demonstrates a cataphoric reference in this context, setting up the subsequent explanation about the error code?
This question tests understanding of using a pronoun ('is') to immediately link to the consequence – the 400 error. The incorrect options either state the action taken (investigating) or offer alternative suggestions without establishing this forward reference. The key is that 'is returning' creates the cataphoric connection, priming the reader for the reason behind it.
7 / 20
Sarah is writing a Slack message to her team about a potential database issue. '_____ the data corruption we're seeing in Production; our initial investigation points to a recent schema update.' Which word best sets up this cataphoric reference?
'Considering' establishes the forward link – it signals that the following phrase will elaborate on *why* there is data corruption. The other options introduce contradictory or unrelated ideas and don't create the necessary connection to the problem being discussed. A cataphoric reference needs a clear point of anticipation.
8 / 20
PR Description: 'The following changes address the critical security vulnerability identified in CVE-2023-XXXX. They require immediate deployment.'
This sentence utilizes a cataphoric reference. What is its primary function?
The sentence uses 'the following changes' to directly introduce and highlight the crucial information – the vulnerability. This creates a sense of anticipation and emphasizes that the subsequent details are vital. The other options represent different communication styles or documentation tasks.
9 / 20
Code Review Comment: 'The function now handles edge cases correctly; the following section details the specific test scenarios.' Which of the options best illustrates a potential error in using cataphoric reference?
The problem lies in using 'it' as a reference. Without a clear noun immediately preceding 'it', there's no referent for the pronoun to point to. This creates ambiguity and breaks the rule of cataphoric references. A correct example would be 'the following section' clearly introducing what is being referenced.
10 / 20
Specification Document: 'The following parameters are required for the authentication process.'
What purpose does this phrase serve in relation to cataphoric reference?
'The following parameters' signals that a list is coming. It establishes the forward reference – the reader anticipates a description of the parameters themselves. The other options represent alternative ways to structure information within a specification document; this question specifically tests the use of 'the following' as a cataphoric device.
11 / 20
John: 'The new API endpoint returns 400. We need to investigate further.'
Which of the following sentences best demonstrates a cataphoric reference in this context, setting up the subsequent explanation about the error code?
This question tests understanding of using a pronoun ('is') to immediately link to the consequence – the 400 error. The incorrect options either state the action taken (investigating) or offer alternative suggestions without establishing this forward reference. The key is that 'is returning' creates the cataphoric connection, priming the reader for the reason behind it.
12 / 20
Sarah is writing a Slack message to her team about a potential database issue. '_____ the data corruption we're seeing in Production; our initial investigation points to a recent schema update.' Which word best sets up this cataphoric reference?
'Considering' establishes the forward link – it signals that the following phrase will elaborate on *why* there is data corruption. The other options introduce contradictory or unrelated ideas and don't create the necessary connection to the problem being discussed. A cataphoric reference needs a clear point of anticipation.
13 / 20
PR Description: 'The following changes address the critical security vulnerability identified in CVE-2023-XXXX. They require immediate deployment.'
This sentence utilizes a cataphoric reference. What is its primary function?
The sentence uses 'the following changes' to directly introduce and highlight the crucial information – the vulnerability. This creates a sense of anticipation and emphasizes that the subsequent details are vital. The other options represent different communication styles or documentation tasks.
14 / 20
Code Review Comment: 'The function now handles edge cases correctly; the following section details the specific test scenarios.' Which of the options best illustrates a potential error in using cataphoric reference?
The problem lies in using 'it' as a reference. Without a clear noun immediately preceding 'it', there's no referent for the pronoun to point to. This creates ambiguity and breaks the rule of cataphoric references. A correct example would be 'the following section' clearly introducing what is being referenced.
15 / 20
Specification Document: 'The following parameters are required for the authentication process.'
What purpose does this phrase serve in relation to cataphoric reference?
'The following parameters' signals that a list is coming. It establishes the forward reference – the reader anticipates a description of the parameters themselves. The other options represent alternative ways to structure information within a specification document; this question specifically tests the use of 'the following' as a cataphoric device.
16 / 20
John: 'The new API endpoint returns 400. We need to investigate further.'
Which of the following sentences best demonstrates a cataphoric reference in this context, setting up the subsequent explanation about the error code?
This question tests understanding of using a pronoun ('is') to immediately link to the consequence – the 400 error. The incorrect options either state the action taken (investigating) or offer alternative suggestions without establishing this forward reference. The key is that 'is returning' creates the cataphoric connection, priming the reader for the reason behind it.
17 / 20
Sarah is writing a Slack message to her team about a potential database issue. '_____ the data corruption we're seeing in Production; our initial investigation points to a recent schema update.' Which word best sets up this cataphoric reference?
'Considering' establishes the forward link – it signals that the following phrase will elaborate on *why* there is data corruption. The other options introduce contradictory or unrelated ideas and don't create the necessary connection to the problem being discussed. A cataphoric reference needs a clear point of anticipation.
18 / 20
PR Description: 'The following changes address the critical security vulnerability identified in CVE-2023-XXXX. They require immediate deployment.'
This sentence utilizes a cataphoric reference. What is its primary function?
The sentence uses 'the following changes' to directly introduce and highlight the crucial information – the vulnerability. This creates a sense of anticipation and emphasizes that the subsequent details are vital. The other options represent different communication styles or documentation tasks.
19 / 20
Code Review Comment: 'The function now handles edge cases correctly; the following section details the specific test scenarios.' Which of the options best illustrates a potential error in using cataphoric reference?
The problem lies in using 'it' as a reference. Without a clear noun immediately preceding 'it', there's no referent for the pronoun to point to. This creates ambiguity and breaks the rule of cataphoric references. A correct example would be 'the following section' clearly introducing what is being referenced.
20 / 20
Specification Document: 'The following parameters are required for the authentication process.'
What purpose does this phrase serve in relation to cataphoric reference?
'The following parameters' signals that a list is coming. It establishes the forward reference – the reader anticipates a description of the parameters themselves. The other options represent alternative ways to structure information within a specification document; this question specifically tests the use of 'the following' as a cataphoric device.
What will I practise in "Cataphoric Reference in Technical Writing — IT English Grammar Exercise"?
Practice cataphoric reference — this, the following, here's what — that point forward to upcoming content in specs, postmortems, and design docs.
How many exercises are in this module?
This module has 20 multiple-choice exercises, each with instant feedback and a full explanation of the correct answer.
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How is this different from reading an article on the same topic?
Articles explain grammar rules in prose; this exercise tests and reinforces those rules through active recall with immediate feedback — the two work best together.
Who writes these exercises?
Every exercise is written by the CoderSlingo team, drawing on real workplace English used in IT roles, then reviewed for accuracy and clarity.