Anaphoric Reference

The word anaphora is an English word that means the repetition of something. When used in English grammar, anaphora refers to a word or a phrase that links to another word or phrase which was used before in the same text.

Example:

Gilly is a great person. She loves to take care of everyone.

In the above example, she is the pronoun and is referring back to the noun Gilly thus she is an example of anaphora.

Anaphoric reference:

The use of such terms (words or phrases) that are referring back to something said or written beforehand in the text is termed as anaphoric reference.

Example:

Sam and Smith are good friends. They are always seen together.

In the above example, they is used as an anaphora and is gives anaphoric reference to Sam and Smith.

Despite referring to nouns, anaphoric reference can also be used to refer other ideas used back in the same text.

Example:

Everyone is in favor of taking Advanced Psychology. Suddenly it’s a subject most in demand.

In the above example, it’s or it is is an example of anaphoric reference which refers back to Advanced Psychology.