Friday, 08 November, 2024

“They” can be used with singular nouns, indefinite pronouns


Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

In standard or modern English, the pronoun “they” is becoming more common when we talk about indefinite pronouns and singular nouns. This change reflects a growing understanding that “they” can be used to refer to one person, especially when we donā€™t know their gender or when we want to include everyone.

What are indefinite pronouns?

Indefinite pronouns are words that do not refer to a specific person, thing, or amount. Some common indefinite pronouns include:

  • Anyone
  • Everyone
  • Someone
  • No one
  • Anything
  • Everything
  • Something
  • Nothing

For example, if you say, ā€œSomeone left their book on the table,ā€ you are not talking about a specific person, but you still want to refer to them. Traditionally, people used ā€œheā€ or ā€œsheā€ in these situations, but using “they” is now considered standard and more inclusive.

How to use ā€œtheyā€ with indefinite pronouns

When we use indefinite pronouns, we can use ā€œtheyā€ to talk about someone in a gender-neutral way. Merriam-Webster includes a note that “they” can refer to a single person whose gender is unknown or to a person who prefers ā€œtheyā€ as their pronoun. Also, Oxford English Dictionary recognizes the use of ā€œtheyā€ as a singular pronoun and describes it as a way to refer to a person of unspecified gender.

Here are some examples:

Anyone:

    • Traditional: ā€œIf anyone has a question, he or she can raise his or her hand.ā€
    • Standard: ā€œIf anyone has a question, they can raise their hand.ā€

    Everyone:

      • Traditional: ā€œEveryone should submit his or her assignment on time.ā€
      • Standard: ā€œEveryone should submit their assignment on time.ā€

      Someone:

        • Traditional: ā€œSomeone left his or her jacket here.ā€
        • Standard ā€œSomeone left their jacket here.ā€

        No one:

          • Traditional: ā€œNo one wants to lose his or her place.ā€
          • Standard: ā€œNo one wants to lose their place.ā€

          Using ā€œtheyā€ in these examples helps make the language more inclusive and acknowledges that gender may not be relevant to the statement.

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          Using ā€œtheyā€ with singular nouns

          In addition to using ā€œtheyā€ with indefinite pronouns, itā€™s also becoming common to use ā€œtheyā€ with singular nouns when the gender of the person is unknown. Here are some examples:

          A teacher:

            • Traditional: ā€œA teacher should grade his or her students fairly.ā€
            • Standard: ā€œA teacher should grade their students fairly.ā€

            A friend:

              • Traditional: ā€œA friend should always support him or her.ā€
              • Standard: ā€œA friend should always support them.ā€

              A customer:

                • Traditional: ā€œA customer may return his or her purchase within 30 days.ā€
                • Standard: ā€œA customer may return their purchase within 30 days.ā€

                Using ā€œtheyā€ in this way helps avoid awkward phrasing with ā€œhe or sheā€ and makes sentences flow better.

                Using ā€œtheyā€ with indefinite pronouns and singular nouns is becoming the norm in standard English. This shift reflects a more inclusive approach to language, allowing us to communicate without making assumptions about gender. As English learners, itā€™s essential to understand this change and feel comfortable using ā€œtheyā€ in your writing and speech.


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