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Is it grammatically correct to refer to one person as they?

Published in Grammar and Usage 3 mins read

Yes, it is grammatically correct to refer to one person as "they," especially in contemporary English.

Understanding Singular "They"

Traditionally, "they" has been recognized as a third-person plural pronoun, used to refer to groups of two or more people or things. However, its usage has expanded significantly, and it is now widely accepted as a singular pronoun. This particular usage is referred to as the singular "they."

The singular "they" is primarily used in two key scenarios:

  1. When the gender of a person is unknown or irrelevant: This helps avoid gender-specific pronouns like "he" or "she" when the subject's gender is not specified.
  2. When referring to an individual who identifies as nonbinary: For individuals who do not identify as exclusively male or female, "they/them" serves as their chosen singular gender-neutral pronoun.

Here's a quick comparison of the two primary uses:

Usage Type Number of People Gender Specification Grammatical Acceptance
Traditional "They" Two or more Any Always correct
Singular "They" One Unknown or Nonbinary Widely accepted

Why Singular "They" is Accepted

The acceptance of singular "they" reflects an evolution in language to meet modern communication needs. Its widespread adoption is due to several factors:

  • Avoidance of Gender Bias: It provides a convenient and gender-neutral option when the gender of an individual is unknown, eliminating the need for awkward constructions like "he or she" or "s/he."
  • Inclusivity: It allows for respectful and accurate reference to individuals who identify as nonbinary, aligning language with personal identity.
  • Historical Precedent: While its modern prominence is recent, singular "they" has a longer history in English than many realize, appearing in works by respected authors centuries ago, though its consistent prescriptive endorsement is more contemporary.

Practical Examples

Here are some examples illustrating the grammatically correct use of singular "they":

  1. Unknown Gender:
    • "Someone left their umbrella in the cafe. I hope they come back for it."
    • "If a student is struggling, they should speak to their teacher."
  2. Nonbinary Identity:
    • "Alex is starting a new job. They are really excited about the opportunity."
    • "I met a new colleague today; their name is Jamie, and they work in marketing."

Key Considerations

While widely accepted, especially in informal and increasingly in formal contexts, awareness of your audience can still be beneficial. However, in most contemporary settings, using "they" for a single person is considered standard and grammatically sound, reflecting the dynamic nature of language. For more on pronoun usage, consult reputable grammar resources.