7 ms·

English is not my first language, so forgive my asking, but isn’t that sort of uncomfortable to use? Looking at the examples given, they’re all PA announcements

English is not my first language, so forgive my asking, but isn’t that sort of uncomfortable to use? Looking at the examples given, they’re all PA announcements or something similarly detatched. It also seems easy to confuse with the plural. What’s the point of decreasing the clarity and utility of language for the sake of a percent of a percent who might be bothered?

allannienhuis 8y ago
English is my first language, and I think it sounds fine: > A CEO ... . Like it or not, their job is to protect the company, not the users. It wouldn't sound as correct if the subject was a specific person. In that case the gender-specific pronoun would be better. > Marissa Mayer, as CEO ... . Like it or not, her job is to protect the company, not the users. Even so, use of 'their' in the latter example would still be acceptable, if a little odd, because it's referring more to the role than the person (I think). [edit] for what it's worth, I think you're overwhelming underestimating the percentage of people who think more gender-inclusive language is a useful thing. That said, I didn't suggest the option because I was trying to make that point, I suggested it because the parent was dealing with a situation (unsure of gender of the CEO) where use of the singular they is really effective.
stordoff 8y ago
It's commonly used, at least in the UK, in informal speech even where the intent isn't to be gender-neutral, so it doesn't feel uncomfortable to use at all.
ams6110 8y ago
Yes, singular "they" is confusing and incorrect. "He" is gender neutral in that context.
- icelancer 8y ago
  No, it isn't. Gender neutral / non-binary people exist, and "he" is not the correct term.
  - DmenshunlAnlsis 8y ago
    They exist and should be respected, but represent a tiny minority. Changing pronouns for everyone to please that fraction of the population seems silly unless you’re addressing that fraction.
- gyaru 8y ago
  No? "They" is not incorrect nor is it even confusing to understand at all?
- zimpenfish 8y ago
  Might I suggest you consult with professional linguists and grammarians on this topic? They will soon disabuse you of this prescriptivist nonsense about 'singular they'.
  - deleted 8y ago
    [deleted]
- allannienhuis 8y ago
  Language has always changed with time. The singular they is very well accepted today and has been for decades in most English speaking cultures. I find it interesting that some people seem to find it necessary to defend the older forms - not sure what purpose that serves.

allannienhuis 8y ago

English is my first language, and I think it sounds fine: > A CEO ... . Like it or not, their job is to protect the company, not the users. It wouldn't sound as correct if the subject was a specific person. In that case the gender-specific pronoun would be better. > Marissa Mayer, as CEO ... . Like it or not, her job is to protect the company, not the users. Even so, use of 'their' in the latter example would still be acceptable, if a little odd, because it's referring more to the role than the person (I think). [edit] for what it's worth, I think you're overwhelming underestimating the percentage of people who think more gender-inclusive language is a useful thing. That said, I didn't suggest the option because I was trying to make that point, I suggested it because the parent was dealing with a situation (unsure of gender of the CEO) where use of the singular they is really effective.

stordoff 8y ago

It's commonly used, at least in the UK, in informal speech even where the intent isn't to be gender-neutral, so it doesn't feel uncomfortable to use at all.

ams6110 8y ago

Yes, singular "they" is confusing and incorrect. "He" is gender neutral in that context.

icelancer 8y ago
No, it isn't. Gender neutral / non-binary people exist, and "he" is not the correct term.
- DmenshunlAnlsis 8y ago
  They exist and should be respected, but represent a tiny minority. Changing pronouns for everyone to please that fraction of the population seems silly unless you’re addressing that fraction.
gyaru 8y ago
No? "They" is not incorrect nor is it even confusing to understand at all?
zimpenfish 8y ago
Might I suggest you consult with professional linguists and grammarians on this topic? They will soon disabuse you of this prescriptivist nonsense about 'singular they'.
- deleted 8y ago
  [deleted]
allannienhuis 8y ago
Language has always changed with time. The singular they is very well accepted today and has been for decades in most English speaking cultures. I find it interesting that some people seem to find it necessary to defend the older forms - not sure what purpose that serves.