The Use of “They” as a Singular Pronoun in Modern English
The English language is constantly evolving, and one of the most significant changes in recent years has been the increasing use of “they” as a singular pronoun. While traditionally, “they” has been used as a plural pronoun (referring to two or more people or things), it has also been employed as a singular pronoun for centuries. In this article, we will explore the history, grammar, and societal acceptance of using “they” as a singular pronoun, as well as its relevance today.
A Brief History of ‘They’ as a Singular Pronoun
The singular use of “they” is not a new concept. In fact, it has been part of the English language for hundreds of years. Writers like Geoffrey Chaucer and Shakespeare used “they” to refer to a single person. For example, in Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors, the line “They say, all women are fickle” refers to a woman, not multiple women. Historically, English speakers have used “they” as a generic pronoun when the gender of a person was unknown or irrelevant.
Why Has ‘They’ Become More Prominent Today?
Gender Inclusivity:
One of the most important reasons for the rise of singular “they” in modern English is its ability to be inclusive. As awareness of gender identity has grown, more people are identifying outside the traditional binary gender categories of “male” and “female.” Singular “they” allows speakers to refer to someone whose gender identity is non-binary, gender-fluid, or simply unknown, without assuming a gender.
Clarity in Ambiguity:
“They” is also used to refer to a person when their gender is unknown or when it’s irrelevant to the context. For example, if someone loses their keys and you don’t know whether the person is male or female, you can say, “Someone has lost their keys.” Using “they” in this instance prevents the awkward or unnecessary use of “he or she” and makes the sentence smoother and more inclusive.
Avoiding Stereotyping:
By using “they” as a default, speakers avoid reinforcing gender stereotypes. Many languages, including English, tend to default to masculine pronouns when the gender is unspecified, but using “they” avoids this bias.
Is It Grammatically Correct to Use ‘They’ as a Singular Pronoun?
Yes, it is grammatically correct. The singular “they” has been officially recognized by language authorities, including the Oxford English Dictionary and the Merriam-Webster Dictionary. In 2019, Merriam-Webster added a definition for “they” as a singular, gender-neutral pronoun in recognition of its widespread usage.
Furthermore, respected style guides like the Associated Press and Chicago Manual of Style now endorse the use of “they” as a singular pronoun. This change reflects both the shifting attitudes toward gender and the natural evolution of language.
Examples of Singular ‘They’
Here are a few examples of how singular “they” can be used in sentences:
Referring to a non-binary individual:
“Jordan is an amazing artist. They have a new painting in the gallery.”
When the gender is unknown:
“If anyone calls, tell them I’ll be back in 10 minutes.”
To refer to a generic person:
“A person should always bring their own lunch if they’re attending the event.”
Common Concerns and Misunderstandings
Despite the growing acceptance of singular “they,” some people still find it difficult to adjust to this change. Here are some common concerns and misconceptions:
“They” is only for plural nouns: While it’s true that “they” is traditionally used for plurals, English grammar allows flexibility, and the singular use of “they” has been well-established for centuries. In modern usage, it is understood to work both for plural and singular references.
It sounds grammatically wrong: Some critics of the singular “they” argue that it sounds awkward or incorrect. However, the singular “they” is often used naturally in speech, and its use is increasingly supported by respected grammar authorities.
What about subject-verb agreement?: In English, subject-verb agreement is important. When using singular “they,” the verb should still agree in the singular. For example:
Correct: “They are going to the store.”
Incorrect: “They is going to the store.”
The Future of Singular ‘They’
As awareness of gender diversity grows and language continues to evolve, it’s likely that the use of singular “they” will become even more widespread. Already, many people and organizations are embracing it as a tool for inclusivity, helping to create more equitable communication. The language community has also seen the emergence of other gender-neutral pronouns like “ze” and “xe,” but “they” remains the most common and widely accepted.
Conclusion
Using “they” as a singular pronoun is grammatically correct, widely accepted, and important for fostering inclusive, respectful language. Whether you’re referring to someone whose gender is unknown, a non-binary individual, or simply avoiding unnecessary gender assumptions, “they” is a versatile and increasingly essential part of modern English. By adopting singular “they,” we acknowledge the diversity of gender identities and continue the evolution of our language.
As with any language change, it’s important to be mindful and respectful of others’ pronoun preferences. The use of “they” as a singular pronoun is just one example of how language reflects and adapts to the needs of society.