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.

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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.

FAQs & 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.