Diskussioner om "South Park" [Sammanfogad /Mod]

Singular they is the use in English of the pronoun they, or its inflected or derivative forms, such as them, their, or themselves, as a "pronoun that is neutral between masculine and feminine",[1] to refer to a single person or an antecedent that is grammatically singular. It typically occurs with an antecedent of indeterminate gender, as in sentences such as:

• "Everyone returned to their seats."[2]
• "Somebody left their umbrella in the office. Would they please collect it?"[3]
• "The patient should be told at the outset how much they will be required to pay."[4]
• "But a journalist should not be forced to reveal their sources."[4]

A reason for its use is that English has no dedicated singular personal pronoun of indeterminate gender.[5] In some cases, its use can be explained by notional agreement because words like "everyone", though singular in form, are plural in meaning.[6] Its use in formal English has increased in recent times with the trend toward gender-inclusive language,[4] but it has been used by respected writers for centuries.[7]

Though singular they has a long history of usage and is common in everyday English, its use has been criticized since the late nineteenth century, and acceptance varies.