5.51: Generic singular “they” Traditionally, a singular antecedent requires a singular pronoun. But even beforetheir, and themselves (or possibly themself) as generic singular forms—especially in speech and informal prose.
So, “They” is commonly used to refer to a singular person of unknown gender or sex. You’ll see it in the news occasionally.
“An intruder wearing a chicken mascot costume was caught on video breaking into a bank. They stuffed their costume full of $100 bills before fleeing the scene.”
Sure, writers will more likely not use pronouns at all, maybe saying “the assailant,” but when a pronoun is used, “they” and “their” would be perfectly fine.
I’m not saying you can’t use “they” when referring to a single person; I’m saying that when you do that you haven’t deviated from the simple usage in any way shape or form.
I’m saying there’s no “singular they” because using “they” in that context is just the same as any other usage of “they”. It isn’t any sort of exception to the base rules and so doesn’t require any special treatment.
Hot take? That’s simply not true.
From the Chicago Manual of Style:
5.51: Generic singular “they” Traditionally, a singular antecedent requires a singular pronoun. But even beforetheir, and themselves (or possibly themself) as generic singular forms—especially in speech and informal prose.
So, “They” is commonly used to refer to a singular person of unknown gender or sex. You’ll see it in the news occasionally.
“An intruder wearing a chicken mascot costume was caught on video breaking into a bank. They stuffed their costume full of $100 bills before fleeing the scene.”
Sure, writers will more likely not use pronouns at all, maybe saying “the assailant,” but when a pronoun is used, “they” and “their” would be perfectly fine.
I think you misunderstood what I’m saying.
I’m not saying you can’t use “they” when referring to a single person; I’m saying that when you do that you haven’t deviated from the simple usage in any way shape or form.
I’m saying there’s no “singular they” because using “they” in that context is just the same as any other usage of “they”. It isn’t any sort of exception to the base rules and so doesn’t require any special treatment.
you did though, it was your first line:
pedantic language nerds on Lemmy? no way!
nm, the rest of the thread is the same… you are not alone.
It’s obvious what I meant from that is the opposite of how you are construing it. You need to actually read the entire comment.
it’s not obvious, sorry. if it were, people would be agreeing with you
Oh, I get what you’re saying.
However, I’m kindly informing you that posting who are professionally pedantic don’t agree with this.
Perhaps I’ve missed a style guide that does agree with you, in which case I would be happy for you to bring the receipts.