Singular they
Definition
Singular they uses they, them, their, or theirs to refer to one person when the person's gender is unknown, irrelevant, or represented by they. It takes the usual verb forms used with plural they, such as they are and they have.
Examples
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Someone left their umbrella.
Their refers to one unidentified person.
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If a caller leaves a message, ask them to include their number.
Them refers back to the singular noun phrase a caller.
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Alex said they were ready.
They refers to one named person.
Singular meaning vs. plural agreement pattern
That person is waiting outside.
The singular noun phrase takes is.
They are waiting outside.
Although one person is meant, they takes are.
The reference can be singular while the grammatical agreement pattern remains they are, they have, and they do.
The antecedent may be indefinite or specific
Singular they can refer back to an indefinite expression such as someone, anyone, or each person. It can also refer to a specific person who uses they.
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Everyone should bring their identification.
Their refers back distributively to each person in everyone.
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Jordan has finished their report.
Their refers to one specific person.
Common mistakes
Someone left his or her umbrella, so they must collect his or her umbrella.
Someone left their umbrella, so they must collect it.
Singular they can avoid awkward repetition when the person's gender is unknown or irrelevant.
Alex said they was ready.
Alex said they were ready.
Use the normal they agreement form were, even for one person.
Quick check
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence correctly uses singular they?
Their can refer to the singular indefinite pronoun someone.Which verb form agrees with singular they?
Singular they uses the ordinary they are agreement pattern.Which object pronoun correctly refers back to a caller of unknown gender?
Them is the object form corresponding to they.Nice work — you've completed the quick check.
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