diff --git a/packages/core/src/syntax/template.ts b/packages/core/src/syntax/template.ts
index 8a57bbd..14be93b 100644
--- a/packages/core/src/syntax/template.ts
+++ b/packages/core/src/syntax/template.ts
@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@ const substPat = M.scope((o: { pos: Pos }) =>
 export type Substitution = Items | string;
 
 function toItems(s: Substitution, pos: Pos): Items {
-    return typeof s === 'string' ? laxRead(s) : s;
+    return typeof s === 'string' ? laxRead(s, { start: pos }) : s;
 }
 
 export class Templates {