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Anonymous Posted 17 years ago
Grammar

He/she and it

Hi,

I would like to ask a question on using third person pronauns he/she and it..

It is the best to explain my question on particular exaplme:

I.

1. "debtor is obliged to file a petition in bankruptcy when he is in financial distress."

or

2. "debtor is obliged to file a petition in bankruptcy when he or she is in financial distress"

or

3. "debtor is obliged to file a petition in bankruptcy when it is in financial distress"

II.

1. "If a party breaches its duty it shall be liable towards the creditor"

or

2. "If a party breaches his duty his shall be liable towards the creditor "

i am translating this text from my language, so i am not sure about it (and whole sentences as well:)

thank you
  

Top answer

NEVER use 'it' for people or words that represent people. Since these seem to be from a legal document, you should not use 'he' only either. These are OK: 2.

— Mister Micawber

  • NEVER use 'it' for people or words that represent people.
  • Since these seem to be from a legal document, you should not use 'he' only either.
  • These are OK: 2.
  • A debtor is obliged to file a petition in bankruptcy when he or she is in financial distress.
  • 2.
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1 Answers
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NEVER use 'it' for people or words that represent people. Since these seem to be from a legal document, you should not use 'he' only either. These are OK:

2. A debtor is obliged to file a petition in bankruptcy when he or she is in financial distress.

2. If a party breaches his or her duty he or she shall be liable to the creditor.
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