Skip to main content
Microsoft 365
March 03, 2023

All about the singular “they”

Grammar is constantly evolving, and grammar trends pave the road for new ways of writing. A great example of this change is how the use of the singular “they” has grown in popularity over the last few years. This is because people who are non-binary or don’t identify with a single gender have adopted the singular “they” as their pronoun of choice. While using they/them as preferred pronouns is a relatively new concept, the singular “they” has been a part of the English language for hundreds of years now. In fact, we use the singular “they” in conversations more often than you might be aware of. Learn about the origins of the singular “they” and how its use has evolved.

Isn’t “they” a plural pronoun?

True, “they” is often used as a third person plural pronoun. If you are referring to a group of people in the third person, you would probably say “they are here” or “they are coming”. However, the singular “they” is also correct and can be used in two different ways: generic and specific.

Write with Confidence using Editor Banner
Microsoft 365 Logo

Write with Confidence using Editor

Elevate your writing with real-time, intelligent assistance

Learn more

The generic singular “they” can be used as a third-person singular pronoun if you are referring to someone whose gender is unknown or irrelevant in a given context. For instance, if you’re talking about a person’s friend who you haven’t met yet, it’s natural to say something like, “They seem really nice!” or “Didn’t your friend tell you they were coming?” The specific singular “they” is used when referring to someone whose preferred pronouns are they/them. When talking about someone who uses they/them pronouns, it’s appropriate to say something like “Robin was wondering if they could borrow your pencil.”

“The singular “they” is also correct and can be used in two different ways: generic and specific.”

What do grammar experts say about the singular “they”?

Some critics are still against using the singular “they”, but many grammar style guides have adapted this concept. The MLA Style Guide and the APA Style Guide, which is the official style guide for scholarly writing, are among several grammar rulebooks that have come to accept the use of the singular “they” in formal writing. The Chicago Manual of Style accepts the use of the singular “they” but still cautions writers against using it.

When did the use of the singular “they” originate?

The singular “they” has been around for quite some time. In fact, the Oxford English Dictionary claims that the singular “they” was possibly used before the late fourteenth century.1 The quest to find a personal pronoun that is neither masculine nor feminine has also been going on for centuries. In the seventeenth century, people who did not identify with a specific gender were sometimes referred as “it”.2 “They” is already an acceptable pronoun for people and is often used to describe people if their gender isn’t known, which is why it is becoming a popular pronoun for non-binary individuals.

Talking to someone who uses singular “they” as their personal pronoun

If someone you know decides that they are more comfortable with they/them pronouns, it can take time to get used to the change. Instead of saying “he”, “her”, or “himself”, use “they”, “their”, or “themself” to refer to them. The more often you do it, the easier it will get. Learning the correct pronouns of an individual is respectful and will make them feel more included in conversations.

The singular “they” is here to stay and is slowly becoming an important change in the English language. Find more helpful writing tips to improve your comprehension skills.


Get started with Microsoft 365

It’s the Office you know, plus the tools to help you work better together, so you can get more done—anytime, anywhere.

Buy Now

Topics in this article

Microsoft 365 Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneDrive, and Family Safety Apps
Microsoft 365 Logo

Everything you need to achieve more in less time

Get powerful productivity and security apps with Microsoft 365

Buy Now

Explore Other Categories