Re: His/Her v. Their

[sphilip <philstokes03 -at- googlemail -dot- com>]

On 27 Oct 2012, at 06:13, Monique Semp <monique -dot- semp -at- earthlink -dot- net> wrote:

> although I'd really like to use "their" in this fashion, I do generally avoid it because the vast (vast) majority of people will think it incorrect, 

That's total speculation, Monica, with all due respect. I suggest you read the link Irene provided, which at least backs the alternative suggestion - that in fact it is widely used and understood as correct - with empirical (if not conclusive) evidence.

Here it is again for those that missed it:

http://www.editorscanberra.org/a-singular-use-of-they/


The report is in line with my intuition (and what I've taught ESL students for nearly a decade). 

Nonetheless, this has been a fascinating and educational thread. Love some of the examples of how to avoid the problem, too. Got this whole thread bookmarked. :)


Best

Phil
http://applehelpwriter.wordpress.com

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