singular they

USAGE SUMMARY

"singular they" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to a person whose gender is unknown or when using a non-binary pronoun. Example: "Someone left their umbrella in the hallway." Alternative expressions include "he or she" and "that person."

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

It also put paid to the singular "they", which, even as it promises to solve one difficulty, creates another.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Each" here is singular; "they" is plural.

The New York Times

So some grammatical traditionalists think "singular they" is always wrong.

The Economist

But in fact, singular "they" is as traditional as it gets.How so?

The Economist

The operations that began today are not singular, they are part of a process".

The Guardian

It's a shame that grammarians ever took umbrage at the singular they.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

Numerous singular-they advocates have found examples of "they" used with a singular antecedent by Geoffrey Chaucer in The Canterbury Tales, as well as by more modern writers, including C.S. Lewis, Lewis Carroll and Walt Whitman.

Huffington Post

Bill Walsh, a veteran Washington Post copy editor, writing about the decision to accept singular 'they' last month, explained that "simply allowing they for a gender-nonconforming person is a no-brainer.

Huffington Post

Singular 'they' has been around for a while, long before the innovative, gender fluid usage.

Huffington Post

Today, acceptance of singular 'they' might just be at a tipping point, too.

Huffington Post

Chances are, though, if you've been using singular 'they', you're too cool to care what a bunch of linguists think anyway.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, use "singular they" to refer to individuals whose gender is unknown or irrelevant, or when an individual identifies with they/them pronouns. This promotes inclusivity and avoids assumptions.

Common error

Avoid using singular verbs with "singular they". Ensure that verbs and other pronouns agree in number (e.g., "They are," not "They is.")

Linguistic Context

The phrase "singular they" functions as a noun phrase that identifies and refers to the use of the pronoun "they" in reference to a single person. This usage is increasingly common, particularly in contexts where gender is unknown, irrelevant, or non-binary as Ludwig AI explains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

22%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "singular they" refers to the use of the pronoun "they" to refer to a single person, particularly when their gender is unknown, irrelevant, or non-binary. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is now considered acceptable and even common in many contexts, moving beyond traditional grammar rules. While once limited to informal settings, its adoption by news outlets like The New York Times, The Washington Post and academic publications signals growing acceptance. Using "singular they" promotes inclusivity and avoids gender assumptions. While alternatives like "he or she" exist, "singular they" is often preferred for its inclusivity and conciseness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they as a singular pronoun

Focuses on the function of 'they' rather than the specific term, altering the emphasis slightly.

gender-neutral they

Highlights the gender-neutral aspect, making it suitable for discussions about inclusivity.

single they usage

Emphasizes that the pronoun 'they' refers to a single person instead of a group.

non-binary they

Specifically connects the pronoun usage to non-binary identities.

individual they

More directly states that 'they' is being used for an individual.

the use of they for one person

Explains the concept in a longer, more descriptive manner.

they in singular form

Highlights the grammatical aspect of 'they' being in a singular form.

they as a gender-inclusive pronoun

Adds emphasis to the use of "they" as a means to include a variety of gender identities.

they for unspecified gender

Focuses on situations where gender is unknown or irrelevant.

they in place of he or she

Directly relates "they" to the traditional alternatives.

FAQs

How do I use "singular they" in a sentence?

Use "singular they" just as you would use "he" or "she", but ensure verb agreement is plural. For example: "Everyone deserves respect, and "they" should be treated with kindness."

What are the alternatives to "singular they"?

Alternatives include using the person's name, rephrasing to avoid pronouns, or, if appropriate, using "he or she". However, if you know someone uses "they/them" pronouns, it's best to respect their preference.

Is it grammatically correct to use "singular they"?

Yes, while traditionally "they" was only plural, the use of "singular they" is now widely accepted and considered grammatically correct, especially when referring to someone whose gender is unknown or irrelevant, or when someone uses they/them pronouns.

When should I use "singular they" versus "he or she"?

Use "singular they" when you do not know the person's gender or when the person identifies as non-binary and uses they/them pronouns. "He or she" can be used if you need to avoid "singular they", but be mindful that it can sometimes sound clunky or exclude non-binary individuals.