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Taka Posted 15 years ago
Grammar

Them

The actor Kevin Spacey interrupted a stage performance to holler at a member of the audience whose cell phone was ringing: “Tell them you're busy"

I guess 'them' refers to the caller, but why the plural here?
  

Top answer

Taka why the plural here? Gender unknown. This is sometimes called "singular they ".

— CalifJim

  • Taka why the plural here?
  • Gender unknown.
  • This is sometimes called "singular they ".
  • If anyone asks what to wear, tell them that they should bring their coat with them because it's going to be cold.
  • CJ
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4 Answers
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Takawhy the plural here?
Gender unknown. This is sometimes called "singular they".

If anyone asks what to wear, tell them that they should bring their coat with them because it's going to be cold.

CJ
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AH! That gender thing. So it's possible to use it, even when there is no such nouns as anyone/someone/nobody etc. used in front as in the example I've given?
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TakaSo it's possible to use it, even when there is no such nouns as anyone/someone/nobody etc. used in front as in the example I've given?
Yes.

CJ
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Good. Thanks, Jim!
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