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pronoun usage guide mastering we and singular they
Concise Guide to APA Style: 7th Edition (OFFICIAL)
Page 69 Review
Navigating Grammar and Usage: A Deep Dive into Pronoun Choices
This excerpt from a grammar and usage guide offers valuable insights into pronoun selection, particularly regarding the use of “we” and the increasingly accepted singular “they.” It provides a framework for clear and inclusive writing, emphasizing accuracy and sensitivity.
The Appropriate Use of “We”
The text addresses the common usage of “we” in academic writing.
It acknowledges that while alternatives exist, “we” can be perfectly acceptable under certain conditions.
As stated, “‘we’ is an appropriate and useful referent once a specific subject has been established.” However, the importance of context is highlighted through a contrasting example:
* **Correct:** “As nurses, we tend to rely on…”
* **Incorrect:** “We tend to rely on…”
This distinction is crucial.
The correct example clearly identifies the group to which “we” refers, while the incorrect example lacks this necessary context, leaving the reader wondering who “we” represents.
The principle here is to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity in academic and professional writing.
The Rise of the Singular “They”
A significant portion of the excerpt focuses on the singular “they,” a topic that has gained considerable attention in recent years.
The text states, “Writers should always use the singular ‘they’ to refer to a person who uses ‘they’ as their pronoun.” This directive is paramount for respecting individual identities and promoting inclusivity.
Furthermore, the guide extends the use of “they” beyond specific personal pronouns:
> Also use “they” as a generic third-person singular pronoun to refer to a person whose gender is unknown or irrelevant to the context of the usage.
This recommendation acknowledges the evolving landscape of language and the need for tools to avoid gender assumptions.
The excerpt also notes the increasing acceptance of the singular “they” by prominent institutions: “Although usage of the singular ‘they’ was once discouraged in academic writing, many advocacy groups and publishers have accepted and endorsed it, including Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary.” This endorsement signals a shift towards more inclusive and accurate language practices.
Practical Guidance on Using Singular “They”
The excerpt provides concrete examples of how to use the singular “they” correctly, including its various forms:
> When using the singular “they,” use the forms “they,” “them, “their, “theirs,” and “themselves.” The variant “themself” is also acceptable because the referent is clearly singular, although “themselves” is currently the more common usage.
These examples offer practical guidance for writers who may be unfamiliar with using the singular “they.” Consider these illustrations:
* “Each participant turned in their questionnaire.”
* “Jaime shared their experiences as a genderqueer person.”
* “A child should learn to play by themselves [or themself] as well as with friends.”
* “Rowan, a transgender person, helped themselves [or themself] to the free coffee.”
These examples demonstrate the grammatical correctness and naturalness of the singular “they” in various contexts.
Avoiding Gendered Pronouns and Problematic Alternatives
The guide explicitly advises against using “he” or “she” alone as generic third-person pronouns.
It cautions against using “‘he or she’ and ‘she or he’ sparingly, and ensure that these pronouns match the pronouns of the people being described; if you do not know the pronouns used by the people being described, use ‘they’ instead or rewrite the sentence.” Additionally, the text discourages the use of combined forms like “(s)he” and “s/he” or alternating “he” and “she,” highlighting the potential for unintentional implications.
Strategies for Rewriting Awkward Sentences
The excerpt acknowledges that the singular “they” may feel awkward in some situations.
To address this, it suggests rewriting the sentence.
The guide concludes with a pragmatic approach: “Keep in mind that there are typically many possible ways to write a sentence.
If the singular ‘they’ as a generic third-person pronoun seems awkward or distracting, try one of the following strategies to rewrite the sentence.” This encouragement empowers writers to find alternative solutions that maintain clarity and inclusivity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this excerpt offers a concise yet comprehensive overview of pronoun usage, emphasizing the importance of context, inclusivity, and accuracy.
It provides practical guidance on using “we” appropriately and navigating the increasingly accepted singular “they.” By following these guidelines, writers can enhance the clarity and sensitivity of their work.
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