I agree, the ungrammatical use of “they” to indicate one or persons of any sex is stupid. It’s in such common use now I’m sure that most people use it without intending to blur natural distinctions. I should stop using it!
I agree, too, re: “they.”
In my columns, I refuse to do that. Instead, I lampoon it by writing “he/she/it.”
Probably doesn’t change anything, but it makes me smile.
... the ungrammatical use of “they” to indicate one or persons of any sex is stupid.
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Lazy for sure. I absolutely know better and the people who I typically communicate with also know that I know better. I take advantage of that and use ‘their’ when I just don’t feel like spelling out “his or her”. I’ll take myself out to the woodshed. I don’t find that nearly as irritating as people who use the word “that”, instead of “who”, after any word that refers to a human - “the man that came to the door”, instead of “the man who came to the door”; “My husband is the one that does most of the cooking.” instead of “My husband is the one who does most of the cooking.”.
::It’s in such common use now I’m sure that most people use it without intending to blur natural distinctions.::
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I concur. Demonstrates how well they have co-opted the language. They are good at what they do.