Pronouns

Pronouns and Pronoun Usage

Pronouns are words that replace nouns:

• it

• there

• he/him

• she/her

• they/them

• you

• who

• many

• few

Pronoun Identity

When pronouns are used to replace the names of people, they also provide a source of identity. Because of this, pronoun use is important. We deserve to choose the pronouns others use when addressing us, and when addressing others, we should be mindful of the pronouns they identify. In particular, we should avoid making assumptions about gender identity based on appearance or conventions. No one can assume a person’s identity or their pronouns based on appearance or name.

Because English has long lacked singular, gender neutral pronouns, it is acceptable to use they when the gender of the person is unknown and/or non-binary:

My neighbor, Sam, has an impressive yard. They have many plants, flowers, and trees, and their grass is often the greenest in the neighborhood.

Pronouns can be avoided all together by simply using the proper noun/name instead. While that might seem repetitive, it is better than making assumptions.

When You Don’t Know Someone’s Pronouns

If you are unsure what pronouns a person prefers, just ask! It’s becoming increasingly common to provide pronouns along with a name and/or other contact information. One effective way to open this conversation is by including your pronouns when you introduce yourself so that it is clear this is a piece of information everyone needs to share, not just the person you are asking. Until you do know, it’s okay to use the gender neutral them in a singular sense or to simply use the person’s actual name and avoid pronoun use altogether.

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