Subject-Verb Agreement: Singular 'They' Usage in AP English

📚 Understanding Singular 'They' in AP English

The use of singular 'they' has evolved significantly, becoming increasingly accepted in both informal and formal contexts. For AP English, understanding its nuances and appropriate usage is crucial.

📜 A Brief History

Singular 'they' isn't new! It's been used in English since the 1300s, often when the gender of a person is unknown or irrelevant.

• 🕰️ Early Usage: Employed by writers like Chaucer and Shakespeare.
• ✍️ Modern Revival: Gaining prominence in the 20th and 21st centuries due to evolving social norms and a need for inclusive language.

🔑 Key Principles of Subject-Verb Agreement with Singular 'They'

When using 'they' as a singular pronoun, it generally takes the verb form associated with plural pronouns. This might seem counterintuitive, but it's the accepted standard.

• 🗣️ Verb Conjugation: Use plural verb forms (e.g., 'they are,' 'they were,' 'they have').
• ⚠️ Common Error: Avoid using singular verb forms like 'they is' or 'they has.'

✍️ Real-World Examples

Let's look at some examples to clarify how singular 'they' works in practice:

Example 1: "If a student needs help, they should visit the writing center."

Example 2: "Everyone deserves respect, and they should be treated with kindness."

Example 3: "The professor said they would be late to class today."

📝 Practice Quiz

Choose the correct verb form in the following sentences:

1. Each student (is/are) responsible for their own work.
2. Someone left (their/his or her) phone on the table.
3. The manager said (they is/they are) reviewing the applications.

✅ Answers

1. is
2. their
3. they are

💡 Tips for AP English

• 🧐 Clarity is Key: Ensure the use of singular 'they' doesn't create ambiguity. If necessary, rephrase the sentence.
• 🖋️ Context Matters: Consider your audience and the tone of your writing. While increasingly accepted, singular 'they' might not be appropriate in all formal contexts.
• 📚 Refer to Style Guides: Consult style guides like the AP Stylebook for the most up-to-date recommendations.

⭐ Conclusion

Singular 'they' is a valuable tool for inclusive and precise writing. Understanding its history, principles, and appropriate usage will enhance your writing skills and prepare you for the AP English exam. Embrace this evolving aspect of language with confidence!