Using Singular 'They' with Pronoun Agreement: College Writing Guide

📚 Understanding Singular 'They'

The singular 'they' is the use of the pronoun 'they,' 'them,' 'their,' and 'themselves' to refer to a single person. This occurs when the person's gender is unknown, irrelevant, or when the person identifies as non-binary. It's become increasingly common and accepted in academic writing and everyday conversation.

📜 A Brief History

While its modern usage is often associated with gender inclusivity, the singular 'they' has a surprisingly long history in the English language. It can be traced back to the 14th century, appearing in the works of writers like Chaucer and Shakespeare. Traditionally, it was used as a way to avoid specifying gender when the gender of the individual was unknown or irrelevant. Its current resurgence is driven by a need for more inclusive language that respects diverse gender identities.

📌 Key Principles for Using Singular 'They'

• 🔍 Agreement: Ensure that the verb agreement is consistent. While 'they' is plural, when used singularly, treat it as plural for verb conjugation. For example: 'The student said they are ready for the exam.'
• 💡 Clarity: Although widely accepted, ensure clarity. If the context doesn't make it clear that 'they' refers to a singular individual, consider revising for better understanding.
• 📝 Consistency: Once you've established using 'they' for a specific person, maintain that usage throughout your writing. Switching pronouns can cause confusion.
• 🤝 Respect: If you know someone's preferred pronouns, always use those pronouns. Using 'they' is appropriate when you don't know or when someone explicitly uses 'they/them' pronouns.
• ✨ Formality: While increasingly common, be mindful of your audience. In very formal settings, consider whether using 'he or she' or rewriting the sentence might be more appropriate, though singular 'they' is gaining acceptance even in academic contexts.

✍️ Real-World Examples

Here are some examples to illustrate proper usage:

• 🌍 'A student left their backpack in the classroom.' (Gender unknown)
• 🧪 'Alex is a non-binary student; they are presenting their research next week.' (Preferred pronouns)
• 🧬 'If a user forgets their password, they can reset it online.' (Generic individual)

🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid

• 😬 Mixing up singular and plural forms unintentionally (e.g., 'Everyone has their own opinion' is correct; 'Everyone have their own opinion' is incorrect).
• 😥 Confusing the reader by not establishing who 'they' refers to early in the text.
• 🤬 Misgendering someone by using incorrect pronouns when you know their preferred pronouns.

✅ Practice Quiz

Choose the sentence that uses the singular 'they' correctly:

1. A: Every student should bring his or her textbook.
2. B: Every student should bring their textbook.
3. C: Every student should bring theirselves textbook.

Answer: B

🔢 More Practice

Rewrite the following sentences using the singular 'they':

1. Each participant must submit his form by Friday.
2. If a customer is dissatisfied, he should contact customer service.

Possible Answers:

1. Each participant must submit their form by Friday.
2. If a customer is dissatisfied, they should contact customer service.

💡 Conclusion

Using the singular 'they' is a valuable skill for modern writers. It promotes inclusivity and avoids awkward constructions. By understanding its history, principles, and common pitfalls, you can confidently and effectively use it in your college writing.