Understanding the Evolution of Pronoun Usage in English

Language is a living entity, constantly evolving over time. One of the most significant changes in recent decades is the shift in pronoun usage, particularly surrounding the use of “their” as a singular pronoun. This transition brings a new level of inclusivity, especially in contexts where gender-neutral language is important.

From 'Him' and 'Everyone'

Seventy-five years ago, the English language was more flexible with pronoun usage. The phrase “everyone had brought his luggage” was common, and the reader was expected to understand that “his” included “her”. This usage maintained a definitive form, assuming a default gender. It was not considered incorrect to write such sentences, given that the context implied both genders.

Moving Towards Gender Neutrality

By the 1970s, the linguistic landscape was changing. We adopted phrases like “him or her” and “his or her”. Alternatively, we would rephrase sentences to avoid such issues. For example, “There were forty men and women in the station’s waiting room and everyone had brought his or her luggage.” This approach was more explicit and less likely to offend, but it also made the writing more cumbersome and repetitive.

Shifting Preferences: From 'His' to 'Their'

Today, the preference leans towards “their” as a singular pronoun. Many people find “his” to be a distinctly masculine term and therefore gender-specific. The shift to “their” marks a significant move towards inclusivity and gender-neutral language. This shift is well-supported by English language history; speakers for hundreds of years have used “their” to refer to singular nouns when the gender is unclear, as seen in the quote from Shakespeare.

Historical Context and Linguistic Norms

Traditionally, the Latin syntax influenced English usage, stipulating that “his” be used whenever the gender was uncertain. For example, the sentence “Everyone was expected to do his part” followed this rule. However, with the rise of feminism, a new usage emerged: “Everyone was expected to do their parts.” This usage is by partial analogy with “all”, which can take a plural form: “All of them were expected to do their parts.” Despite this evolution, some argue that the use of “they” as a singular pronoun is correct, though it is not always grammatically accurate.

Personal Approaches and Recommendations

As a personal preference, I recommend using phrases like “his or hers” or “his and hers” to maintain clarity. However, if this approach becomes repetitive, it is better to recast the entire sentence into the plural form to avoid complicating the language. This not only streamlines the writing but also adheres to modern linguistic norms, ensuring that the message is clear and inclusive for all audiences.

The world of language is dynamic, and these changes reflect the evolving societal values towards inclusivity and equality. By understanding and adapting to these changes, we can better communicate in a way that is respectful and accessible to everyone.