What IT refers to in a structure Subject+Verb+Object,IT...

[k.jiayizhang]

I want to ask what it/they refers to in a structure Subject + VERB + OBJECT, it/they... ? Does IT/THEY refers to the SUBJECT，the OBJECT(closest NOUN), or either of them (so that we can eliminate a choice since it is not clear what the IT/THEY refers to) ?

Here is an example from OG:
As a baby emerges from the darkness of the womb with a rudimentary sense of vision, it would be rated about 20/500,....
What does IT refers to here?

And another choice,
As a baby emerges from the darkness of the womb, its rudimentary sense of vision would be rated about 20/500,...
Why do we say the ITS here is incorrect ?

Well, these two sentences are not correct. I am just confused about the explanations about the usage of IT and ITS in this example.

Since it's an OG problem, I didn't type the question in the subject of the topic~~Hope we can discuss the structure:)

Thank you very much:)

[tim]

the GMAT seems to allow subject or object pronouns to refer to either subjects or objects. The one thing it almost never does though is reach inside a prepositional phrase to find an antecedent for a pronoun. that's why "vision" doesn't work as an antecedent for "it" or "its"..

for your second choice, you ask "Why do we say the ITS here is incorrect ?" well, WE never said anything of the sort. do YOU think it's incorrect? if so, please explain why. please don't accuse US of saying something is incorrect when it isn't.. :)

[HanzZ]

Hi Tim,

I just have a quick question regarding the discussion.

In the first example, "it" doesn't refer to "womb". Is it also because "womb" is in a prepositional phrase: "darkness of the womb"?

Thank you!

Henry

[tim]

That and the fact that it doesn't make sense. :) Remember, when looking for an antecedent, ask yourself what the antecedent SHOULD be, then make sure that antecedent shows up in the sentence in a place that allows it to serve as the antecedent.