3 ms·

That's confusing because "are" ("they're" is a contraction of "they are") is used for the plural. "They is" would be singular, just like "he is" or "she is". It

That's confusing because "are" ("they're" is a contraction of "they are") is used for the plural. "They is" would be singular, just like "he is" or "she is". It would be ungrammatical for plural "they", but AFIACT is correct for singular "they". So the unambiguous (but weird sounding to those unused to it) version: "Is Pat coming to lunch with us?" "Yes, they is coming in a moment."

lozf 7y ago
> "Yes, they is coming in a moment." Perhaps one of: "Yes, they will be here soon / joining us shortly / along later." would be better.
- grahamburger 7y ago
  > "Yes, they will be here soon / joining us shortly / along later." None of these clarify singular vs plural of 'they.' All of them work whether 'they' refers to one person or multiple.
  - lozf 7y ago
    Good point.