Neutralised Pronouns
Hi,
Is use of neutralised pronouns (singular they) discommended in terms of grammar and the formality of English?
That is, should we withhold ourselves from using them if we want to use English formally (academically/grammatically correct)?
Top answer
It all depends. : This author writes something, and then they immediately contradict themselves. This kind of thing should be avoided in careful English, in my opinion.
- It all depends.
- : This author writes something, and then they immediately contradict themselves.
- This kind of thing should be avoided in careful English, in my opinion.
- : I saw someone come out of the house and get into their car.
- (where "their" refers to the same person as "someone").
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It all depends. There are "bad" uses of singular "they", e.g.:
This author writes something, and then they immediately contradict themselves.
This kind of thing should be avoided in careful English, in my opinion.
Then there are "good" uses, e.g.:
I saw someone come out of the house and get into their car.
(where "their" refers to the same person as
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