diff --git a/language/references.xml b/language/references.xml
index 2b92544eac..43ac54c9bc 100644
--- a/language/references.xml
+++ b/language/references.xml
@@ -186,7 +186,7 @@ These requirements are for PHP 4.0.4 and later.
   <sect1 id="language.references.return">
    <title>Returning References</title>
    <para>
-    Returning by-reference it is useful when you want to use a function
+    Returning by-reference is useful when you want to use a function
     to find which variable a reference should be bound to. When
     returning references, use this syntax:
     <informalexample>