Understanding the Pronoun 'Their'

What is 'Their'?

'Their' is a possessive pronoun in English, used to indicate ownership or association. It is the plural form of 'his' or 'her' and can refer to a group of people or things.

Usage in Sentences

'Their' is often used in both formal and informal contexts. Here are some examples:

• The students submitted their assignments on time.
• Everyone should respect their colleagues.
• The company announced their new policy yesterday.

Importance of 'Their' in Inclusivity

The pronoun 'their' has gained prominence in discussions about gender inclusivity. It is increasingly used as a singular, gender-neutral pronoun to refer to someone whose gender may not be specified, or for individuals who identify as non-binary.

For instance:

Alex said they would bring their book to the meeting.

Grammatical Notes

'Their' functions as an adjective and is followed by a noun. For example:

They took their dog for a walk.

It is important to note the difference between 'there' (indicating a place), 'their' (indicating possession), and 'they're' (a contraction of "they are").

Fun Facts

• The use of 'their' as a singular pronoun can be traced back to the 14th century.
• Including 'their' in speech can enhance clarity and avoid gender biases.
• Usage guidelines from institutions like the American Heritage Dictionary endorse singular 'they' for inclusivity.