Definition of “They”
“They” is a third-person plural pronoun in the English language, primarily used to refer to more than one person, group, or thing. It serves as a subject pronoun that can refer to people, animals, or objects. In modern usage, “they” is also widely used as a gender-neutral singular pronoun to refer to someone whose gender is unknown or non-binary.
Uses of “They”
1. Referring to Multiple People or Things
The most common use of “they” is to refer to two or more people, animals, or objects. It functions as a plural pronoun for the subject of a sentence.
- Examples:
- “They are going to the park.” (Referring to multiple people)
- “They moved the chairs to the other room.” (Referring to multiple objects)
- “They barked loudly all night.” (Referring to multiple dogs)
2. Referring to a Group or Collective Noun
“They” can refer to a group or collective entity, even if the group is thought of as a single unit.
- Examples:
- “The team is celebrating because they won the championship.” (Referring to the group as a whole)
- “The committee announced their decision yesterday.” (Referring to the members of the committee)
3. As a Gender-Neutral Singular Pronoun
In modern English, “they” is increasingly used as a singular pronoun to refer to someone whose gender is not known, not specified, or non-binary. This usage is intended to be inclusive and avoids assumptions about a person’s gender identity.
- Examples:
- “Someone left their bag. I hope they come back for it.” (Gender-neutral)
- “Jordan said they will join us for dinner.” (Referring to a non-binary person)
- “If anyone calls, tell them I’ll be back in an hour.” (Referring to a singular, unspecified person)
4. Referring to Authority or Groups of People
“They” can be used more generally to refer to people in positions of authority, government, or society at large, especially when talking about decisions or actions taken by groups or institutions.
- Examples:
- “They passed a new law last week.” (Referring to the government or lawmakers)
- “They say the economy is improving.” (Referring to experts or authorities)
Grammatical Role of “They”
1. Subject Pronoun
“They” functions as a subject pronoun, meaning it is used to indicate who or what performs the action in a sentence. It always serves as the subject of a verb.
- Examples:
- “They are learning how to cook.” (Subject of the verb “are learning”)
- “They helped me finish the project.” (Subject of the verb “helped”)
2. Possessive Form: “Their”
The possessive form of “they” is “their”, which indicates ownership or possession by a group or by a singular person in gender-neutral usage.
- Examples:
- “They brought their bikes to the park.” (Plural)
- “Alex said they left their phone at home.” (Singular, gender-neutral)
3. Object Form: “Them”
The object form of “they” is “them”, which is used when the group or person is receiving an action, rather than performing it.
- Examples:
- “I gave them the keys.” (Object of the verb “gave”)
- “Tell them the meeting has been postponed.” (Object of the verb “tell”)
4. Reflexive Form: “Themselves” / “Themself”
The reflexive form of “they” is “themselves” for plural subjects and “themself” for singular, gender-neutral usage. Reflexive pronouns are used when the subject and object refer to the same person or group.
- Examples:
- “They congratulated themselves on a job well done.” (Plural reflexive)
- “Jordan prides themself on their work ethic.” (Singular, gender-neutral reflexive)
Common Mistakes with “They”
1. Confusion Between Plural and Singular Usage
The use of “they” as a singular, gender-neutral pronoun can sometimes cause confusion, particularly when it comes to verb agreement. In singular usage, “they” still takes plural verb forms, which may feel unfamiliar to some speakers.
- Correct: “They are a great friend.” (Singular but takes the plural verb “are”)
- Incorrect: “They is a great friend.”
2. Overusing “They” for Singular Subjects
While “they” is accepted for singular, gender-neutral use, it should not be used in situations where the subject’s gender is known, and appropriate pronouns like “he” or “she” would be clearer.
- Incorrect: “They went to the store.” (If the person’s gender is known, use “he” or “she”)
- Correct: “She went to the store.” (When gender is clear)
3. Ambiguity in Reference
In some cases, using “they” can lead to ambiguity if it’s unclear whether you’re referring to a single individual or a group. Ensure that the context is clear to avoid confusion.
- Example: “They arrived late.” (Could refer to one person or a group—context must clarify)
Importance of “They” in Communication
“They” is a vital pronoun in English, helping to refer to multiple people or objects, as well as serving as an inclusive gender-neutral option for individuals whose gender identity is unspecified or non-binary. Its use fosters clarity, inclusivity, and respect, particularly in contexts where gender assumptions are to be avoided.
Understanding when and how to use “they” appropriately allows for clearer communication, especially in diverse social and professional settings. As language evolves, the singular use of “they” has gained widespread acceptance, highlighting the importance of adapting to modern communication standards.
Conclusion
“They” is a versatile third-person plural pronoun used to refer to groups, objects, or individuals in both plural and singular forms. Whether referring to multiple people or used in its gender-neutral singular form, “they” plays an important role in inclusive and precise communication. As its usage continues to evolve, mastering the grammatical rules for “they” will enhance clarity and inclusivity in both spoken and written English.