they
pronoun
UK/ðeɪ/US/ðeɪ/
Used to refer to two or more people or things previously mentioned or easily identified. Also used as a singular pronoun to refer to a person whose gender is unknown or to refer to a person who prefers non-binary pronouns.
Example Sentences
They are planning to visit us next weekend.
I saw them at the park yesterday.
Each student should submit their assignment by Friday.
They couldn't believe that they had won the competition.
The dogs wagged their tails happily when they saw their owners.
They decided to go hiking despite the cloudy weather.
The committee members presented their findings to the board.
They were thrilled with the surprise party that was thrown for them.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
Indicates one or more persons/subjects, often of unspecified or nonbinary gender.Traditionally, this pronoun refers to more than one person: “They went to the store” implies a group made that trip. In modern usage, many speakers also apply “they” as a singular form for individuals who prefer a gender-neutral pronoun: “Sam said they would arrive soon,” respecting Sam’s identity and keeping the sentence clear.When using it in its plural sense, make sure that your audience understands who “they” references: “My parents said they would come by,” where “they” clearly stands for both parents. If there are multiple groups in play, specify each group or person to avoid confusion (e.g., “The neighbors invited me to their party, but they—my parents—are traveling that day”).As a singular pronoun, “they” is widely accepted to promote inclusivity and clarity in contexts where the subject’s gender is unknown, nonbinary, or simply not relevant. For example, “Someone left their backpack behind; I wonder when they’ll come back for it.” This usage is recognized by many contemporary style guides, though some traditional grammarians still prefer older forms like “he or she.” In casual and business contexts alike, however, singular “they” is increasingly a norm, helping to avoid assumptions about a person’s gender.
Alternatives
Substituting “they” depends on how many people you’re referencing and their gender or identity. For a single individual who uses “she/her,” you might say “she,” or for someone who uses “he/him,” “he.” For a general group, you might opt for “those people,” “the group,” or “the team,” though that shifts away from a direct pronoun. If you want to avoid pronouns altogether, you might rephrase sentences to make the subject clear—for instance, instead of “They will review the proposal,” you might write “The committee will review the proposal.”Using singular “they” often replaces outdated constructions like “he or she,” which can sound cumbersome and may exclude nonbinary individuals. If you’re writing more formally, check the style guidelines for your context—most major guides, including the Chicago Manual of Style and the Associated Press (AP), now endorse singular “they” as acceptable when it fits clarity and inclusivity. Ultimately, you’ll want to balance grammatical tradition with sensitivity to modern usage.
Writing
In written work, use this pronoun to highlight a group or an individual without specifying gender. For clarity, identify its antecedent at first mention so readers know who “they” are. For instance, if you introduce “The engineers,” you can then follow up with, “They developed a new design.” If a single individual opts for these pronouns, introduce them by name to establish context, e.g., “Jordan is heading this project. They will finalize the updates tomorrow.”When referencing indefinite subjects—“Anyone who’s interested can submit their application”—ensure the rest of the sentence or paragraph signals that you’re embracing a gender-neutral style. If your text involves multiple individuals or groups, revise sentences to avoid pronoun ambiguity. “They” can be powerful in ensuring inclusivity while maintaining a smooth narrative flow, but thoughtful organization and occasional rephrasing can prevent confusion. Also, watch out for overuse. If every sentence starts with “They,” your writing might sound repetitive; swapping in names or descriptive terms (e.g., “the volunteers”) can maintain variety.
Casual Conversation
In day-to-day speech, “they” is a quick, natural way to refer to people without delving into gender specifics. “My friends said they’d meet me at eight,” “Ask the cashier if they can help,” or “Someone left their phone behind” are common examples. You’ll hear it in questions, too: “Did they mention if the event is free?”When you want to respect someone’s nonbinary identity, “they” is both inclusive and straightforward. If you’re unsure of a person’s pronouns, some people might default to “they” until they learn otherwise. This courtesy avoids assumptions and helps keep conversation comfortable for everyone. It’s also handy for referencing unknown or general subjects—like “someone,” “anyone,” “everyone”—where it would be unnatural to specify “he or she.” Overall, “they” remains a flexible, friendly pronoun choice in casual dialogue, bridging old grammar conventions with modern linguistic practices.
Etymology
Originally derived from Old Norse “þeir,” meaning “they,” this pronoun entered English in the medieval era through interactions between Norse settlers and Old English speakers. Over the centuries, it became the standard third-person plural pronoun, eventually taking on diverse contexts in Middle and Early Modern English. Traces of singular “they” usage can be found in literature as far back as the 14th century (e.g., in works by Chaucer), illustrating a longstanding, if sometimes debated, grammatical pattern.Language evolves with social and cultural shifts, and “they” has followed suit, expanding formally to encompass gender neutrality in contemporary settings. This broadened role reflects the English language’s inherent flexibility, allowing speakers and writers to adapt existing words to match emerging identities and contexts. Although once frowned upon by strict grammarians, singular “they” continues to gain mainstream acceptance, attesting to English’s capacity for inclusive, person-focused communication.
