The correct pronouns for non-gender words
If there is the word “customer” for instance, which doesn't have any gender, should we say and write “he/she”, “his/her” or it's better to always say “they/their/them”? .... “The user claims that their account...” is it a better way?
10 answers from our tutors
Best answer
If the noun reference is generic you can use he, she or singular they. Even "he or she" will work. The choice is entirely up to you and there isn't one which is more or less correct than the others. I know of some modern writers who seem to lean towards "she" (Pinker, Sapolsky to name the few I read recently), while writers of the past used "he" . You won't find "she" or "they" for generic references in older writings.
They/their are used in the singular and plural by native English speakers. It is more convenient than having to constantly use he/she and his/her. E.g.: The customer is requested to check their money immediately after they make withdrawals from the ATM.
Using "they/their/them" is a better way to refer to a gender-neutral term like "customer." For example, you could say, "The user claims that their account needs assistance" instead of using gender-specific pronouns.
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I think they
The word “they” is plural. So Their account was hacked means that there were more than one name on the account. If we don’t know, “he” is widely accepted. Having said that, some people have strong feelings about being called by a pronoun they disapprove. They will usually let you know.
Hi dear! Nowadays, every one should be so careful with the pronoun they use. It's a sensitive area. So I'd rather use they/their in this situation. E.g. Your customer should be so careful with their money.
- Marina
Hello! That is a very interesting question. In my practice, I always write he/she, his/her. Nowadays, though, a question of pronouns is highly sensitive, so potentially I would try an avoid using pronouns not knowing the gender for sure. For example, "the user claims that THE account in question..." and so on.
I would go with their/them if you don't know they gender.
- JennyCertified ESL Teacher who helps her student in Conversational English.
traditionally, we say he/she... Luckily, today people (or company) asked now if what pronouns do people prefer
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