Direct answer
Specific versus generic singular they
Singular they has two uses: specific and generic. Use it specifically when an individual uses they as their personal pronoun. Use it generically when referring to one person whose gender is unknown or does not matter to the context.
Following an individual’s stated pronouns
When writing about a known student, parent, teacher, or colleague, follow that person’s stated pronouns. This applies even when the person is singular and the pronoun is they.
Examples of generic singular they
Generic singular they works with an unspecified person: “Each taxpayer must file their tax return before 15 April.” It also works with singular subjects that refer broadly to people, as in: “Everyone wants to do well on their midterm.”
For parent-facing school communication, the same pattern can apply when the writer does not know or need to mention a person’s gender. A sentence about an anonymous reviewer, a hypothetical person, or an unnamed candidate can use they rather than a gendered pronoun.
Common revision patterns
When a sentence uses “his or her” for an unspecified person, singular they is one available revision. You can also revise the sentence to remove the pronoun or make the subject plural.
Do not use only he or only she for a generic subject, and do not alternate between he and she. Generic singular they helps writers avoid making or enabling assumptions about gender.
What to do next
Review the cited sources and apply the relevant guidance described above.
Sources
- How do I use singular they? | MLA Style Center
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