His/her/Their

Forums: Grammar
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Sometimes I wish to write about someone where the number of people and their gender is unknown:

"Any of the non-incumbent candidates may also give their answers if they choose."

It may turn out to be one such candidate or many. The one or many candidate(s) may be male, female, or mixed.

Do I write his/her? It seems awkward especially when I use it repeatedly.

Do I write their? I don't know if it will turn out singular or plural.

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[+3] - jespah - 04/13/2022Their is fine. Here's why. There is such a thing as the singular use of they. Here's an example. "Someone called you from work." "Well, what did they want?" You've...

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@gollum,

Their is fine.

Here's why.

There is such a thing as the singular use of they. Here's an example.

"Someone called you from work."
"Well, what did they want?"

You've got precedent for using a singular they/them/their (which some trans people prefer for pronouns). So go for it.

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@gollum,

Yeah, you are emotional. Too much and needy.

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His/her/Their

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