he
pronoun
UKhiːUShiː
used to refer to a male person or an animal previously mentioned or understood from the context
Example Sentences
He went to the store to pick up some groceries.
I told him about the party, but he already knew.
He prefers coffee over tea every morning.
We should ask him for directions since he knows the area well.
If he studies hard, he can pass the exam with flying colors.
He has been training for a marathon and is determined to finish in record time.
When he finally stood up to speak, the entire room fell silent, captivated by his calm confidence and the weight of his carefully chosen words.
He decided to follow his dream of traveling the world, leaving behind the familiar comforts of home to pursue new horizons and life-changing experiences.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
A masculine pronoun referencing a male or unknown individualUse this pronoun when referring to a male individual, especially in the third person. It can also be used if the gender of the subject is unknown or deemed male by context. For example, “He is studying at the library,” indicates that the subject is a male. When a noun has been identified, you may use this pronoun to avoid repetition—“John went to the park. He played basketball there.” In formal writing, you may consider inclusive language if gender is uncertain. However, many still rely on this pronoun for clarity when the subject is explicitly known to be male. Ensure consistency throughout your text and avoid mixing pronouns randomly.
Alternatives
Sometimes, in modern usage, people opt for “they” as a gender-neutral alternative, especially when the individual’s gender is unknown or non-binary. Other pronouns like “she” or “one” may also be chosen depending on context. In writing, employing “he or she” can explicitly acknowledge both genders, although this might feel unwieldy in lengthy texts. Using inclusive pronouns respects variety in gender identities and ensures clarity. Ultimately, your choice depends on tone, audience, and context. If you want to remain neutral or inclusive, “they” is widely accepted in both casual and professional communication today.
Writing
When writing formally, choose your pronoun usage carefully. Consistency and clarity are paramount. If your subject is known to be male, using “he” is acceptable and concise. When the gender is unspecified, consider whether the context supports a singular “they,” or if your audience expects more traditional constructions like “he or she.” Be mindful of inclusive language expectations, particularly in academic or professional contexts. Revisit your sentences to ensure that your pronoun choice does not inadvertently cause confusion or appear biased. Above all, keep your reader’s clarity in mind, and maintain a consistent style throughout your text.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, people often use “he” without much thought when referring to a guy or someone presumed male. That said, being aware of contexts where someone’s gender may be unknown or non-binary is increasingly important. If you aren’t certain, or if you want to be more inclusive, you could use “they.” But in casual settings, if you’re referring to someone whose gender you know or who identifies as male, “he” is perfectly normal. Don’t overthink it—just remember to speak clearly and respectfully, and keep the flow of your conversation natural.
Etymology
The word traces back to Old English “hé,” which itself came from Proto-Germanic roots. Over centuries, it remained the standard pronoun for referencing male individuals in the third person. Historically, “he” was also used generically to include any person of unspecified gender, though modern usage increasingly favors gender-neutral options. This evolution reflects broader societal shifts toward inclusivity. Despite these changes, this pronoun remains a cornerstone of English communication, featured prominently in everyday speech, literature, and academic texts. Understanding its roots offers perspective on how language transforms to meet cultural needs.
