Using they/them pronouns is confusing and difficult to read because one always thinks of a plurality of people. Why not just pick new words to use?
Using they/them pronouns is confusing and difficult to read because one always thinks of a plurality of people. Why not just pick new words to use?
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It's not though. Singular they goes back to middle English (14th century) it was just grammar Nazis in the 18th century that tried to stamp it out.
i didn't know that. i genuinely thought it was a new/contemporaneous usage.
TIL
It was more for an unknown individual than a known one, but extending it the way it has been is a very natural progression
So an example where you don't know the individual would be
Somebody left their umbrella in the office. Could you please let them know where they can get it?
The more modern extended usage that people seem so up in arms about would be
Kate left their umbrella in the office. Could you please let them know where they can get it?
Well done. I do occasionally find the singular "they" confusing, but not always, and I wasn't quite sure why. Now I know. Thanks!