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Using 'They' as a Gender-Neutral Pronoun: What You Need to Know

Learn how to use 'they' as a respectful gender-neutral pronoun in everyday language.

Published

Video transcript

Yes, you can use 'they' if you don't know someone's gender. It serves as a gender-neutral pronoun, providing a respectful and inclusive way to refer to someone whose gender is unknown or non-binary. For example, you could say, 'Someone left their umbrella. I hope they come back for it.' This usage is widely accepted and promotes gender inclusivity.

Questions and answers

  1. What is a gender-neutral pronoun?

    A gender-neutral pronoun is a pronoun that does not specify gender, such as 'they'.

  2. Is it acceptable to use 'they' for a single person?

    Yes, using 'they' as a singular pronoun is widely accepted, especially when the person's gender is unknown.

  3. Why is gender inclusivity important?

    Gender inclusivity fosters respect and recognition for all gender identities, promoting a more inclusive society.

  4. What are some other examples of gender-neutral pronouns?

    Other examples include 'ze', 'xe', and 'ey', which can also be used to refer to individuals without specifying gender.

Related questions

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