Understanding 'They'

Introduction to the Pronoun 'They'

The word "they" serves several important roles in the English language. Primarily recognized as a third person plural pronoun, it has also gained recognition as a singular pronoun to refer to individuals whose gender identity is non-binary or unknown.

Historical Context

The use of "they" as a singular pronoun is not a recent development. Evidence of its singular usage dates back to the 14th century. Literary figures such as Shakespeare and Jane Austen employed it, showcasing its longstanding presence in English literature.

Grammatical Usage

In grammar, "they" can function in different ways:

• Subject Pronoun: Used to denote the subject of a verb (e.g., "They are going to the store.").
• Object Pronoun: Used to denote the object of a verb (e.g., "I saw them at the park.").
• Possessive Pronoun: Used to show ownership (e.g., "That book is theirs.").

Inclusivity and Gender Neutrality

Using "they" as a singular pronoun addresses issues of gender inclusivity and recognition. It provides a way to refer to individuals without specifying gender, which can be especially important in contexts where a person's gender identity may not be known or when it is deemed unnecessary to specify.

Many people across various communities advocate for the use of singular "they" as a means of respecting and affirming diverse gender identities.

Contemporary Usage

The singular "they" has gained significant traction in contemporary English, with dictionaries and style guides increasingly recognizing its validity. For example, both the American Psychological Association (APA) and the Associated Press (AP) endorse the use of singular "they" in their style guidelines.

Common Misconceptions

Despite its established usage, some misconceptions about "they" persist:

• It is ungrammatical: Many linguists agree that "they" as a singular pronoun is perfectly grammatical.
• It is a modern invention: As previously mentioned, the singular "they" has historical roots.
• Everyone uses he or she: Many individuals prefer “they” as it aligns more closely with their identity.