A Sentence With Their In It

The English language, with its myriad rules and nuances, often presents challenges even to native speakers. One common area of confusion lies in the correct usage of pronouns, particularly the word "their." While seemingly straightforward, "their" can be tricky, leading to grammatical errors that detract from clarity and professionalism. Mastering the proper use of "their" is crucial for effective communication, whether in academic writing, professional correspondence, or everyday conversation.

Understanding the nuances of "their" involves not only recognizing its basic function as a possessive pronoun but also grasping its evolving role in addressing issues of gender inclusivity and singularity. This article delves into the multifaceted nature of "their," providing a comprehensive guide to its correct usage, exploring common errors, and offering practical tips for mastering this essential element of English grammar. By examining the various contexts in which "their" appears, we aim to equip you with the knowledge and confidence to wield this powerful pronoun with precision and grace.

Main Subheading

The word "their," at its core, functions as a possessive pronoun. It indicates ownership or association with a group of people or things. Traditionally, "their" has been used to refer to plural antecedents, meaning the noun or noun phrase to which the pronoun refers is plural. For example, in the sentence "The students submitted their essays," "their" clearly refers to the plural noun "students," indicating that each student submitted their own essay. This basic usage is generally well-understood and poses little difficulty for most writers.

However, the English language is constantly evolving, and with it, the accepted usage of certain words and grammatical structures. In recent years, "their" has gained increasing acceptance as a singular pronoun, used to refer to a single person, particularly when their gender is unknown, irrelevant, or non-binary. This shift in usage reflects a growing awareness and sensitivity to gender diversity and a desire to avoid making assumptions or misgendering individuals. While the singular "their" has faced resistance from some traditional grammarians, it is now widely recognized and employed in academic, professional, and informal contexts.

Comprehensive Overview

Understanding the various facets of "their" requires a deeper dive into its grammatical functions, historical context, and contemporary applications. Let's explore these aspects in detail:

1. Possessive Pronoun (Plural): This is the traditional and most widely recognized use of "their." As mentioned earlier, "their" indicates possession or association with a plural noun. Here are some examples:

• The team celebrated their victory. (The victory belongs to the team.)
• The birds built their nests in the oak tree. (The nests belong to the birds.)
• The children shared their toys with each other. (The toys belong to the children.)

In each of these sentences, "their" clearly refers to a plural noun, making its usage grammatically sound and easily understood.

2. Singular "Their": The use of "their" as a singular pronoun has a surprisingly long history, dating back to the 14th century. However, it has only gained widespread acceptance in recent years, largely due to the increasing awareness and acceptance of gender diversity. The singular "their" serves several important purposes:

• Gender-Neutrality: When the gender of the person being referred to is unknown or irrelevant, "their" provides a gender-neutral alternative to "his" or "her." For example, instead of writing "Each student should bring his or her textbook," you can write "Each student should bring their textbook."
• Non-Binary Identity: For individuals who identify as non-binary, meaning they do not identify exclusively as male or female, "their" is often the preferred pronoun. Using "their" in this context is a sign of respect and inclusivity. For example, "Alex is a non-binary student. Their favorite subject is art."
• Avoiding Assumptions: In situations where you don't want to make assumptions about someone's gender, "their" can be a safe and respectful choice. For example, "The new employee will start on Monday. I don't know their name yet."

3. Agreement with Antecedents: Whether using "their" as a plural or singular pronoun, it is crucial to ensure that it agrees with its antecedent in number. This means that if the antecedent is plural, "their" should be used, and if the antecedent is singular, "their" should be used if it's a case where singular "they" is appropriate (gender-neutral, non-binary identity, avoiding assumptions).

• Correct (Plural): The teachers graded their students' papers.
• Correct (Singular, Gender-Neutral): Every participant must submit their consent form.
• Incorrect (Plural antecedent with singular pronoun - if not using singular 'they'): The students submitted his or her essay. (Awkward and less inclusive)

4. Common Errors: Despite its seemingly simple function, "their" is often misused. Here are some common errors to watch out for:

• Confusing "Their," "There," and "They're": These three words are homophones, meaning they sound alike but have different meanings and spellings. "Their" indicates possession, "there" indicates a place, and "they're" is a contraction of "they are."
  • Incorrect: They're dog is very friendly.
  • Correct: Their dog is very friendly.
  • Incorrect: Put the book over their.
  • Correct: Put the book over there.
  • Incorrect: Their going to the park.
  • Correct: They're going to the park.
• Incorrect Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement: This occurs when the pronoun does not agree in number with its antecedent.
  • Incorrect: Each of the boys brought their favorite toy. (Each is singular)
  • Correct: Each of the boys brought his favorite toy.
  • Correct (Using singular 'their'): Each of the participants brought their favorite toy. (Gender-neutral or unknown)
• Awkward Phrasing: Overuse of "his or her" can lead to awkward and cumbersome sentences. Using "their" as a singular pronoun can often improve readability.
  • Awkward: Every employee is responsible for maintaining his or her workspace.
  • Better: Every employee is responsible for maintaining their workspace.

5. The Historical Context of Singular "They": Although the modern embrace of singular "they" is often linked to contemporary discussions of gender identity, its usage is far from new. As mentioned, examples can be found as far back as the 14th century, used by literary giants like Chaucer and Shakespeare. Historically, it served the same purpose it often does today: to avoid specifying gender when it was unknown, irrelevant, or when referring to a hypothetical person. The resistance it has faced over the years highlights how language is not static but rather a constantly evolving reflection of societal norms and values.

Trends and Latest Developments

The acceptance of singular "their" is steadily increasing, driven by a growing awareness of gender inclusivity and a desire for more accessible and respectful language. Several style guides and dictionaries have officially recognized and endorsed its use, including the Associated Press (AP) Stylebook and the Merriam-Webster Dictionary. This recognition signals a significant shift in linguistic norms and provides further validation for those who choose to use singular "their" in their writing and speech.

Data from corpus linguistics, which involves analyzing large collections of text, also supports the growing prevalence of singular "their." Studies have shown a significant increase in the frequency of "their" used with singular antecedents in recent decades. This trend suggests that singular "their" is not just a niche usage but is becoming increasingly mainstream.

However, despite its growing acceptance, the singular "their" still faces some resistance. Some grammarians and traditionalists argue that it violates the traditional rules of pronoun-antecedent agreement. They maintain that using "his" or "her" (or "his/her" when necessary) is the grammatically correct approach.

The debate over singular "their" reflects broader discussions about language and social change. While some view it as a necessary step towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society, others see it as a corruption of traditional grammar. Ultimately, the widespread adoption of singular "their" will depend on continued usage and acceptance by a majority of speakers and writers.

Professional insights suggest that the key to navigating this evolving landscape is to be mindful of your audience and the context in which you are writing. In formal academic or professional settings, it may be prudent to use singular "their" judiciously, ensuring that it is clear and unambiguous. In more informal settings, or when writing for an audience known to be supportive of gender inclusivity, using singular "their" may be more readily accepted and even expected.

Tips and Expert Advice

Mastering the use of "their" requires careful attention to detail and a willingness to embrace evolving linguistic norms. Here are some practical tips and expert advice to help you use "their" correctly and confidently:

1. Understand the Basic Rules: Ensure that you have a solid understanding of the traditional rules of pronoun-antecedent agreement. Remember that "their" typically refers to a plural noun, and the pronoun must agree in number with its antecedent.

2. Embrace Singular "Their" (When Appropriate): Be open to using singular "their" in situations where it is appropriate, such as when the gender of the person being referred to is unknown, irrelevant, or non-binary. Practice using it in your writing and speech to become more comfortable with its usage.

3. Consider Your Audience: Be mindful of your audience and the context in which you are writing. In formal settings, use singular "their" judiciously and ensure that it is clear and unambiguous. In informal settings, you may have more latitude to use it freely.

4. Avoid Ambiguity: Ensure that your pronoun usage is clear and unambiguous. If there is any possibility of confusion, rephrase the sentence to make your meaning clearer. For example, instead of writing "Each student should submit their assignment by Friday," you could write "All students should submit their assignments by Friday" or "Each student should submit the assignment by Friday."

5. Proofread Carefully: Always proofread your writing carefully to catch any errors in pronoun usage. Pay particular attention to instances where you have used "their," "there," or "they're," and ensure that you have used the correct word in each case.

6. Read Widely: Expose yourself to a variety of writing styles and genres. Pay attention to how different writers use "their" and other pronouns. This will help you develop a better understanding of the nuances of pronoun usage and the evolving norms of the English language.

7. Use Online Resources: There are many excellent online resources available to help you improve your grammar skills. Grammar websites, style guides, and online dictionaries can provide valuable information and guidance on pronoun usage.

8. Practice Regularly: The more you practice using "their" correctly, the more comfortable and confident you will become. Make a conscious effort to use it correctly in your writing and speech, and seek feedback from others to identify any areas where you need to improve.

9. Don't Be Afraid to Experiment: Language is constantly evolving, and it's okay to experiment with new ways of expressing yourself. If you're unsure about whether to use singular "their" in a particular situation, try it out and see how it sounds. If it feels awkward or confusing, you can always rephrase the sentence.

10. Respect Individual Preferences: When referring to a specific individual, always respect their preferred pronouns. If you are unsure of their preferred pronouns, ask them politely. Using someone's correct pronouns is a sign of respect and inclusivity.

By following these tips and expert advice, you can master the use of "their" and communicate effectively in a variety of contexts. Remember that language is a powerful tool, and using it with care and precision can help you build stronger relationships, foster greater understanding, and create a more inclusive world.

FAQ

Q: Is it grammatically correct to use "their" as a singular pronoun? A: Yes, while traditionally "their" has been used as a plural pronoun, its use as a singular pronoun is now widely accepted, particularly when referring to someone whose gender is unknown, irrelevant, or non-binary. Major style guides and dictionaries recognize this usage.

Q: What is the difference between "their," "there," and "they're"? A: "Their" indicates possession (e.g., "Their car is red"). "There" indicates a place (e.g., "The book is over there"). "They're" is a contraction of "they are" (e.g., "They're going to the store").

Q: When should I use singular "their"? A: Use singular "their" when you don't know the gender of the person you're referring to, when the gender is irrelevant, or when referring to someone who identifies as non-binary.

Q: Is it okay to use "his or her" instead of singular "their"? A: While grammatically correct, overuse of "his or her" can lead to awkward and cumbersome sentences. Singular "their" is often a more concise and inclusive alternative.

Q: How can I avoid confusion when using singular "their"? A: Ensure that your pronoun usage is clear and unambiguous. If there is any possibility of confusion, rephrase the sentence to make your meaning clearer.

Q: What should I do if someone tells me that using singular "their" is grammatically incorrect? A: You can explain that while traditionally "their" has been used as a plural pronoun, its use as a singular pronoun is now widely accepted and recognized by major style guides and dictionaries. You can also explain why you chose to use singular "their" in that particular context (e.g., to avoid making assumptions about gender).

Q: How do I find out someone's preferred pronouns? A: The best way to find out someone's preferred pronouns is simply to ask them politely. You can say something like, "What pronouns do you use?" or "Could you tell me your preferred pronouns?"

Conclusion

Mastering the use of "their" is essential for effective communication in the modern era. Understanding its various functions, from its traditional role as a possessive plural pronoun to its increasingly accepted use as a singular pronoun, is crucial for avoiding grammatical errors and promoting inclusivity. By paying attention to pronoun-antecedent agreement, avoiding common mistakes like confusing "their," "there," and "they're," and being mindful of your audience, you can wield this powerful pronoun with confidence and precision.

The evolution of "their" reflects the ongoing transformation of the English language and its adaptation to changing social norms. Embracing the singular "their" when appropriate is a step towards creating a more inclusive and respectful society. To further enhance your understanding and skills, we encourage you to practice using "their" in your writing and speech, explore online resources, and seek feedback from others. Leave a comment below sharing your experiences or any questions you have about using "their" correctly!