diff --git a/src/read.c b/src/read.c
index 2e087c0b9..b14ccad82 100644
--- a/src/read.c
+++ b/src/read.c
@@ -1499,7 +1499,8 @@ do_class_genocide()
 			    return;
 			} else
 #endif
-	pline("That symbol does not represent any monster.");
+			    pline("That %s does not represent any monster.",
+				  strlen(buf) == 1 ? "symbol" : "response");
 			continue;
 		}