Using Gender-Neutral Pronouns: When to Use They/Them

Discover how to use gender-neutral pronouns like 'they' and 'them' to promote inclusivity and respect for identity.

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When you don’t know the gender, use 'they' or 'them' as a gender-neutral pronoun. It's widely accepted and ensures inclusivity. For instance, instead of saying, 'he or she,' you can say, 'they.' This approach respects everyone’s identity and avoids assumptions.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What are gender-neutral pronouns? Gender-neutral pronouns are terms used to refer to people without specifying their gender, commonly including 'they' and 'them'.
  2. Why should I use gender-neutral pronouns? Using gender-neutral pronouns promotes inclusivity and shows respect for individuals' identities, avoiding assumptions based on gender.
  3. Can you provide examples of gender-neutral sentences? Instead of saying 'he or she', you can use 'they' as in 'They went to the store' to maintain gender neutrality.
  4. Are 'they' and 'them' accepted in formal writing? 'They' and 'them' are increasingly accepted in formal writing as gender-neutral options, aligning with modern standards of inclusivity.