"Their" ???

Question

Hi there-My Law professor did not like the following sentence in one of my essays:First and foremost, in negotiations, the chief objective of an attorney is to develop the strongest point-of-view which coincides with their client’s wishes and, logically, to project that to the opposition to warrant the most beneficial results.Here is what he wrote after the word "their": (“his” or “her”; “attorney” is singular)Is "their" always indicative of plurality?  THANK YOU!!! -A

Avangi · Accepted Answer

In formal writing, yes.    (It's a bit controversial.)   -  A.

Philip · Answer

AnonymousHi there-

My Law professor did not like the following sentence in one of my essays:

First and foremost, in negotiations, the chief objective of an attorney is to develop the strongest point-of-view which coincides with their client’s wishes and, logically, to project that to the opposition to warrant the most beneficial results.

Here is what he wrote after the word "their": (“his” or “her”; “attorney” is singular)

Is "their" always indicative of plurality?

THANK YOU!!! -A

In this case, you can avoid the entire controversy of his/her/their (what a waste of time!) by using the. It doesn't always work, but it seems to here.

Anonymous · Answer

No, not always. Very commonly used in spoken and written English. Anyone who says otherwise is not English!

Avangi · Answer

AnonymousIs "their" always indicative of plurality?

Obviously not, since you have given us an example of it's written use where it indicates the singular. Your question is open to interpretation. Often these issues are addressed in dictionaries by "usage notes," which refer to "the usage board," a group who vote on the acceptability of a form under various conditions. The votes are seldom unanimous.

I'm sure this doesn't answer your question, but your law professor has registered his vote.

- A. (not an Englishman)

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