The pronoun "they" can be used as a singular form to refer to a person whose gender is unknown, non-binary, or irrelevant. This usage is standard in both spoken and written English, supported by major style guides and legal documents.
Singular "they" functions as a third-person singular pronoun when referring to one individual without specifying gender. It replaces outdated forms like "he or she" or "one's," which are often awkward or exclusionary. For example, "Someone left their coat behind" uses "their" to match the singular antecedent "someone."
This construction avoids gendered assumptions and promotes inclusivity. It is not a modern invention-it appears in English literature since the 14th century. Shakespeare used it in *The Merchant of Venice* ("I have a mind to tell you something"), though not in the modern sense. The current usage gained formal recognition in the 20th century.
Singular "they" follows standard subject-verb agreement rules. The verb must agree with the singular antecedent, not the pronoun itself. "Each student submitted their assignment" is correct because "each student" is singular, and "submitted" agrees with that subject.
Some people still find it jarring due to traditional grammar rules that treat "they" as plural. But modern usage prioritizes clarity and inclusivity over rigid formality. The American Psychological Association (APA) Style Guide explicitly permits singular "they" for non-binary individuals and when gender is unspecified.
When using singular "they," ensure the antecedent is clear. Ambiguity arises if multiple people are referenced. For example, "The teacher gave the student their book" is acceptable if only one student is involved. If multiple students exist, specify: "The teacher gave each student their book."
Singular "they" appears in three primary contexts:
These forms are interchangeable in most contexts. The choice depends on intent, audience, and context. In formal writing, some institutions still require "he or she" for compliance, but this is declining.
| Use Case | Example Sentence | Correctness Status |
|---|---|---|
| Unknown gender | "A visitor arrived. They asked for directions." | Standard usage |
| Non-binary identity | "Jamie is a writer. They publish under a pseudonym." | Accepted in APA, MLA, Chicago |
| Generic reference | "Every applicant must bring their ID." | Widely accepted in professional writing |
One widespread myth is that singular "they" violates subject-verb agreement. This is false. The verb agrees with the subject, not the pronoun. "They are" is correct when the subject is singular and the pronoun is used for gender neutrality.
Another misconception is that it's only for political correctness. That's incorrect. The usage predates modern identity politics. It was used by authors like Jane Austen and George Eliot. In *Pride and Prejudice*, Austen writes: "He who has no wife may be happy in his own way," but later shifts to "they" in indirect speech for brevity and flow.
A less obvious point: singular "they" does not require a plural antecedent. The antecedent can be singular, as long as it refers to one person. "Everyone has their reasons" is grammatically sound. The plural pronoun reflects the collective nature of the group, not the number of individuals.
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines singular "they" as "used in reference to a single person whose gender is not specified or is nonbinary." The dictionary cites usage dating back to the 1300s, with modern examples from The New York Times and BBC News.
The Associated Press (AP) Stylebook updated its guidelines in 2017 to allow singular "they" when referring to non-binary individuals. The AP states: "Use 'they' as a singular pronoun when the person's gender is not known or when the person identifies as non-binary."
In legal settings, courts have adopted the pronoun. In 2021, the U.S. Department of Justice issued guidance permitting federal agencies to use "they" for non-binary individuals in official documents. This aligns with the 2020 Supreme Court ruling in *R.G. & G.R. Harris Funeral Homes Inc. v. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission*, which affirmed protections for transgender employees.
For comparison, the Oxford English Dictionary notes that "they" as a singular pronoun has been in use since Middle English. It cites Chaucer's *The Canterbury Tales* (c. 1386): "Whan that Aprille with his shoures soote..." - though not in the singular sense, the structure shows early flexibility in pronoun use.
I once reviewed a university admissions essay where a student wrote: "I didn't know who would read my application, but they did." The sentence was clear and effective. I suggested no change. The use of "they" matched the student's intent: to express uncertainty about the reader's identity.
Later, during a campus workshop on inclusive language, a faculty member objected: "It's ungrammatical." I showed her the AP Stylebook and the APA manual. She paused, then said, "I've been teaching this wrong for years."
This moment highlighted how deeply ingrained traditional grammar rules can be-even among educators. But evidence-based standards now support singular "they" as correct and necessary.
There are rare cases where singular "they" causes confusion. Avoid it when the antecedent is ambiguous or when the sentence relies on gender-specific roles. For example, "The king welcomed the ambassador. They sat together." Here, "they" could imply the king and ambassador are the same person, which is illogical.
In such cases, rephrase: "The king welcomed the ambassador. The two sat together." Or use a gendered pronoun if the role implies gender (e.g., "The queen greeted the ambassador. She offered tea.").
Also avoid using "they" in formal contracts or legal agreements unless the parties have agreed to it. Some jurisdictions still require gender-specific language in marriage licenses or birth certificates. Always verify local requirements.