Inclusive Language

The following guidelines for the non-sexist use of language are excerpted from a former webpage by the same name, which used to be posted at the American Philosophical Association's website.

Summary of Guidelines for the Nonsexist Use of Language

When constructing examples and theories, remember to include those human activities, interests, and points of view which traditionally have been associated with females.

Eliminate the generic use of 'he' by:

• using plural nouns

• deleting 'he', 'his', and 'him' altogether

• substituting articles ('the', 'a', 'an') for 'his'; and 'who' for 'he'

• substituting 'one', 'we', or 'you'

• minimizing use of indefinite pronouns (e.g., 'everybody', 'someone')

• using the passive voice [use sparingly]

• substituting nouns for pronouns [use sparingly]

• using the "singular 'they'" 

Eliminate the generic use of 'man':

• for 'man', substitute 'person'/'people', 'individual(s)', 'human(s)', 'human being(s)'

• for 'mankind', substitute 'humankind', 'humanity', 'the human race'

• for 'manhood', substitute 'adulthood', 'maturity'

• delete unnecessary references to generic 'man'

Eliminate sexism when addressing persons formally by:

• using 'Ms' instead of 'Miss' or 'Mrs.', even when a woman's marital status is known

• using a married woman's first name instead of her husband's (e.g., "Ms. Annabelle Lee" not "Mrs. Herman Lee")

• using the corresponding title for females ('Ms.', 'Dr.', 'Prof.') whenever a title is appropriate for males

• using 'Dear Colleague' or 'Editor' or 'Professor', etc. in letters to unknown persons (instead of 'Dear Sir', 'Gentlemen')

Eliminate sexual stereotyping of roles by:

• using the same term (which avoids the generic 'man') for both females and males (e.g., 'department chair' or 'chairperson'), or by using the corresponding verb (e.g., 'to chair')

• not calling attention to irrelevancies (e.g., 'lady lawyer', 'male nurse')