I’m of the opinion that “their” is quickly becoming an acceptable alternative to “his or he,” which, though technically more correct is also awkward in normal, everyday usage. In the past, we said “his,” but that is gender specific and therefore equally as inaccurate as “their.” When you don’t know their gender of the person you’re talking about
Rod Gonzalez over 10 years ago
Okay.
“Someone left his or her tea there.”
Happy, Clyde?
arye uygur over 10 years ago
Yech
cdward over 10 years ago
I’m of the opinion that “their” is quickly becoming an acceptable alternative to “his or he,” which, though technically more correct is also awkward in normal, everyday usage. In the past, we said “his,” but that is gender specific and therefore equally as inaccurate as “their.” When you don’t know their gender of the person you’re talking about
QuietStorm27 over 10 years ago
I guess Barney’s parents didn’t teach him not to touch something someone else left behind.
sbchamp over 10 years ago
Milk jug…
ChessPirate over 10 years ago
That would be “number 1”, not “number 2”.
legoboye over 10 years ago
HA!
ireoftsubaki over 10 years ago
Actually, using ‘they’ or ‘their’ when referring to an individual of unknown gender is generally accepted. I think the term for it was “epicene.”
It is also accepted where it is unknown whether or not the person(s) referred to is singular or plural. You can even find it used in Shakespeare.