0
Usenet Posted 17 years ago
Usage
Using they or their when subject is singular
Hello,
I have a question I'd like to ask.
I was writing a sentence the other day the following way:
When you set up an appointment with a dentist, they usually try to give you procedures you don't need.
In the above sentence, is the use of "they" acceptable, even though the word "dentist" is singular? Should "he or she" be used in place of "they", or is it OK as it is? I never really thought of this before, till I wrote that sentence.
thanks
I have a question I'd like to ask.
I was writing a sentence the other day the following way:
When you set up an appointment with a dentist, they usually try to give you procedures you don't need.
In the above sentence, is the use of "they" acceptable, even though the word "dentist" is singular? Should "he or she" be used in place of "they", or is it OK as it is? I never really thought of this before, till I wrote that sentence.
thanks
Top answer
[nq:1]I was writing a sentence the other day the following way: When you set up an appointment with a ... or is it OK as it is? [/nq] This question inevitably starts long and often quite heated arguments between the two schools of English usage.
- [nq:1]I was writing a sentence the other day the following way: When you set up an appointment with a ...
- or is it OK as it is?
- [/nq] This question inevitably starts long and often quite heated arguments between the two schools of English usage.
- To try to sidestep those arguments, let me put my answer this way: if you avoid using plural pronouns with singular antecedents, no one will ever find error with your speech or writing.
- If you do not follow that advice, at least some people will think you're an ignorant illiterate.
Get the Weekly English Kit 📬
New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.
2 Answers
0
[nq:1]I was writing a sentence the other day the following way: When you set up an appointment with a ... or is it OK as it is? I never really thought of this before, till I wrote that sentence.[/nq]
This question inevitably starts long and often quite heated arguments between the two schools of English usage.
To try to sidestep those arguments, let me put my answer this way: if you avoid
This question inevitably starts long and often quite heated arguments between the two schools of English usage.
To try to sidestep those arguments, let me put my answer this way: if you avoid
00
[nq:1]Hello, I have a question I'd like to ask. I was writing a sentence the other day the following way: ... or is it OK as it is? I never really thought of this before, till I wrote that sentence.[/nq]
When you call the dentist's office, you usually don't talk to the dentist; you talk to a member of the staff. I read your "they" as the dentist's staff.
Bill in Kentucky
When you call the dentist's office, you usually don't talk to the dentist; you talk to a member of the staff. I read your "they" as the dentist's staff.
Bill in Kentucky
0
Related Questions