Understanding the Pronoun "They"

The Pronoun "They"

Introduction

The pronoun "they" is a key component of the English language, functioning primarily as a third-person plural pronoun. It is used to refer to more than one person, but its usage has evolved significantly over recent years to become inclusive of gender identities beyond the traditional binary.

Usage of "They"

Traditionally, "they" serves multiple grammatical purposes:

Plural Reference: "They" is used to refer to groups of people or things. For example, "The students are studying; they have an exam tomorrow."
Singular Gender-Neutral Reference: In modern usage, "they" can also refer to a single person whose gender is unknown or to someone who identifies as non-binary. For example, "Alex said they would join us later."

Historical Context

The use of "they" as a singular pronoun has a long history in the English language, dating back to at least the 14th century. Authors like Shakespeare and Jane Austen employed "they" to refer to individuals whose gender was unspecified.

Despite its historical precedence, the acceptance of this usage has fluctuated, especially with the rise of gender studies and the advocacy for more inclusive language in the 20th and 21st centuries.

The Rise of Singular "They"

The singular "they" gained significant traction in the late 20th century as advocates for gender inclusivity encouraged its use. Numerous style guides, including those from the American Psychological Association (APA) and the Chicago Manual of Style, now recognize singular "they" as grammatically acceptable.

In 2019, the American Dialect Society even named "they" as the Word of the Year, reflecting societal changes and growing acceptance of diverse gender identities.

Examples in Modern Usage

Examples of the usage of "they" in sentences include:

“Jordan forgot their keys at home.”
“Someone left their umbrella; I hope they come back for it.”
“When a student finishes, they should submit their work.”

Conclusion