The Historical Use of 'They' as a Singular Pronoun

Discover the history of 'they' as a singular pronoun and its significance as a gender-neutral option in modern language.

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The use of 'they' as a singular pronoun dates back to the 14th century. It has been used in English literature, including works by authors like Shakespeare, to refer to a person whose gender is unknown or irrelevant. This historical usage supports its modern application as a gender-neutral pronoun.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What are gender-neutral pronouns? Gender-neutral pronouns are used to refer to individuals without specifying their gender. Common examples include 'they', 'them', and 'their'.
  2. When did 'they' become popular as a singular pronoun? 'They' has been used as a singular pronoun since the 14th century, with notable appearances in the works of authors like Shakespeare.
  3. How is 'they' used in modern English? 'They' is used as a gender-neutral option to refer to individuals whose gender is unknown or to encompass non-binary identities.
  4. Is using 'they' as a singular pronoun grammatically correct? Yes, using 'they' as a singular pronoun is grammatically correct and widely accepted in modern English.

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