Unspecified nouns refer to people or things in a vague way, making it unclear exactly who or what is being discussed. In NLP, this is known as a lack of referential index—a fancy way of saying that we don’t know the specific subject being referred to.
When nouns are left ambiguous, misunderstandings arise because people naturally fill in the gaps based on their own assumptions. This is called mind reading—we guess the meaning and act accordingly, often without realizing it.
A common example is the use of they—a mysterious group of people who seem to hold opinions and set expectations:
- “They won’t like me.” (Who exactly?)
- “They are better than me.” (Compared to whom?)
- “Employers don’t like too many jobs on a resume.” (Which employers, specifically?)
- “Men don’t like smart women.” (Which men?)
This type of thinking can lead to self-imposed limitations when we react to an imaginary group rather than specific individuals. It can also contribute to stereotyping. For example, saying “New Zealanders are bossy” (totally made up!) ignores the fact that you’re likely talking about just a couple of actual people you’ve encountered.
Examples of Unspecified Nouns
- “People scare me.”
- Every person in the world?
- The girls at work?
- The neighbors?
- Elderly drivers wearing hats?
- People who don’t follow instructions?
- Which specific people are you referring to?
- “They say this is easy.”
- The customer service team at the store?
- Your siblings?
- Some random TV personalities?
- A vague group you’ve never actually met?
- Also, what exactly is easy—turning on a computer, sending emails, or learning new skills?
- “No one listens to me.”
- Your kids?
- Your customers?
- The office staff?
- Your neighbors?
- Even the family dog?
- “I think they have lost the plot.”
- The bank?
- The government?
- Movie producers?
- A real plot (like a film script) or a metaphorical one (like running a country)?
- “It’s delightful.”
- The weather?
- The view?
- The company you’re with?
- A particular conversation?
- Wearing your favorite dress?
How to Clarify Unspecified Nouns
To gain clarity and avoid assumptions, ask:
- Who exactly do you mean?
- Which people are you referring to?
- Who is ‘they’?
- Who is ‘no one’?
- What specifically delights you?
By identifying the missing details, we can communicate more clearly, reduce misunderstandings, and challenge limiting beliefs.