Recently, we had a great discussion in a Life Writers master class about the plural pronoun they and its forms (them, their) used for individuals.
The recently released eighteenth edition of the Chicago Manual of Style, the creative writer’s bible, now supports using they for those who do not identify with gender-specific pronouns like he or she. This reflects our world’s evolving language norms.
Gender-neutral pronouns called neopronouns, such as ze, zir, zirs, and zirself, were introduced but never caught on. Merriam-Webster has yet to add them to the dictionary.
The singular they is a big change, but an important one.
Tell me, have you encountered a situation in your writing where you needed to use they, them, or their for an individual? If so, was it awkward? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
But regardless of your preferred pronouns, remember, the only way to do this wrong is to not do it at all!
Ahhhhhh!
I want a new word. But not one starting with “Z”. Something that flows off the tongue.
I do not like the use of plural pronouns as a substitute for a proper address. We should be able to figure this out and be respectful to everyone.
Ditto, Dave, guess I am too old school. KISS Keep It Simple Sweetie. Glad I am retired and no longer teaching.
I respect everyone because I want to be respected. But the change for individuals who are gender neutral is causing confusion for me in the long standing history of the English language with pronouns. A writer would be required to know?guess? identify? someone’s gender if not previously stated in order to know how to refer to the individual in writing. Adding to the confusion, of the sudden change of pronoun, is the issue that the current fluid societal mindset states that anyone could change their gender identity anytime. So maybe today, I call the individual them and tomorrow the individual… Read more »
I do have occasion for this topic in writing. I remembered to use the word sibling rather than brother or sister. The term “they” as singular is still awkward for me to both write and understand as a reader, but as when I try any new words, I use the context of words surrounding it to help me understand. As writers, it’s important to provide enough details so the reader understands, or at least asks the questions we want them to be thinking. It’s another example where a group of writing buddies can be helpful. The different answers we hear… Read more »
I still don’t understand why suddenly “they” are asking to be addressed differently. Isn’t the goal to define and obtain respect from others and be treated as an equal? If so, per Orah’s statement, why isn’t you the acceptable pronoun? Why is “they”, a plural pronoun, acceptable? Are “they” expecting “double” the respect from others?
With regard to general neutral third person, we have always used you for both the individual and plural, so why not they for both the individual and plural?