nonbinary pronouns

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "nonbinary pronouns" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing pronouns that do not exclusively align with traditional gender categories. Example: "They use nonbinary pronouns to express their identity." Alternative expressions include "gender-neutral pronouns" and "singular they."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Once, after a lecture, he was approached on campus by a critic who wanted to know why he would not use nonbinary pronouns.

The New Yorker

At one point, discussing a phase in her life when she went by nonbinary pronouns, she used the gender theorist Judith Butler's name as a verb.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Still others seek to use they and them as nonbinary singular pronouns or want to be identified by recently coined nonbinary pronouns typically ze or sie instead of he or she and zir or hir instead of her or him.

Britannica

The charismatic, impulsive Alma reports to Charlotte, their cautious commander; Elliot, "our very own mechanical genius," is nonbinary (taking they/them pronouns) and non-speaking, like many autistic adults in our day.

The New Yorker

Titi Naomi Tukes — a 2017 graduate of Morehouse who enrolled as a cisgender man in 2013 but now identifies as transgender nonbinary and uses the pronouns they/them/their — said they disapproved of the policy, which they learned about in an alumni email Saturday.

Los Angeles Times

(Gibson, who uses they/them/their pronouns, identifies as nonbinary).

Huffington Post

"I've always had the inkling that something was a little off in my pronouns and identifiers, and with nonbinary identities becoming more represented within the queer community, I felt like I finally had the language to name it.

Huffington Post

His main focus was the issue of pronouns: many transgender or gender-nonbinary people use pronouns different from the ones they were assigned at birth — including, sometimes, "they," in the singular, or nontraditional ones, like "ze".

The New Yorker

Deschamps-Braly had some patients who had no desire to hide their trans-ness, including Adrian Roberts, a d.j. and party host who identifies as nonbinary trans-feminine, and who goes by the pronoun "they".

The New Yorker

Eliminating gender pronouns and imagery that might deter genderfluid or nonbinary individuals can also make products more accessible to a wider range of customers, says Matt Smith, founder and managing director of Cherry Banana.

Vice

When he lampoons "made-up pronouns," he sometimes seems to be lampooning the people who use them, encouraging his fans to view transgender or gender-nonbinary people as confused, or deluded.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When introducing yourself or someone else, provide pronoun information to normalize the practice and create an inclusive environment.

Common error

Avoid assuming someone's pronouns based on their appearance. Always ask politely or refer to the pronouns they have shared to ensure respectful communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "nonbinary pronouns" functions as a noun phrase, specifically identifying the category of pronouns used by individuals who do not identify exclusively as male or female. Ludwig shows examples in academic, news and encyclopedic contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

17%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Science

8%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "nonbinary pronouns" refers to the set of pronouns used by individuals who identify as nonbinary. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and acceptable. While "nonbinary pronouns" is not as common as other phrases, it appears in news, encyclopedias, and academic contexts, signaling increasing recognition in formal communications. Using correct pronouns demonstrates respect for individual identity. When in doubt, ask politely what pronouns someone uses. Remember always to respect pronouns.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gender-neutral pronouns

Focuses on the neutrality of the pronouns rather than the specific identity.

gender-affirming pronouns

Highlights that pronouns are used to affirm one's gender identity.

gender-inclusive pronouns

Highlights the inclusivity aspect of pronoun usage.

pronouns for nonbinary individuals

Specifies the target group for whom the pronouns are intended.

preferred pronouns

Emphasizes individual preference in pronoun selection, regardless of gender identity.

non-gendered pronouns

Emphasizes the absence of gender association.

they/them pronouns

Refers to a specific set of pronouns commonly used by nonbinary individuals.

ze/zir pronouns

Highlights another set of neopronouns used by some nonbinary people.

neopronouns

Refers to newly coined pronouns, often used within the nonbinary community.

singular they

Focuses on the use of 'they' as a singular pronoun.

FAQs

How do I use "nonbinary pronouns" in a sentence?

You can use "nonbinary pronouns" to describe the pronouns someone uses if they identify as nonbinary, for example: "The speaker uses "they/them/theirs" as their nonbinary pronouns".

What are examples of "nonbinary pronouns"?

Examples of "nonbinary pronouns" include "they/them/theirs", "ze/zir/zirs", and "e/em/eirs". These pronouns are used by individuals who do not identify exclusively as male or female.

What's the difference between "nonbinary pronouns" and gender-neutral pronouns?

"Nonbinary pronouns" specifically refer to pronouns used by individuals who identify as nonbinary. While the terms are often used interchangeably, gender-neutral pronouns may also encompass pronouns used by individuals who identify outside of the gender binary but do not necessarily identify as nonbinary.

How do I ask someone about their "nonbinary pronouns"?

You can politely ask, "What pronouns do you use?" or "What are your preferred pronouns?" This demonstrates respect for their identity and avoids making assumptions.