SI Grammar and Spelling Lab Message Board

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Pastimes : SI Grammar and Spelling Lab

Public Reply Prvt Reply Mark as Last Read File

Previous 10 Next 10 Previous Next

To: Chuzzlewit who wrote (974)	3/31/1998 1:35:00 PM
From: Achilles	Read Replies (1) of 4711

Actually, Paul, using 'they' or 'them' in such cases is acceptable usage. Webster's 3d International Dictionary (1961), s.v. 'they', 1b: "'he or she': he 2 - used with an indefinite singular antecendent <everyone tries to make the person they love just like themselves>.". (It has nothing to do with Political correctness; the fact that 'everybody' et sim. are singular is not at issue) You said: Sowbug, here is one of my biggest annoyances. People routinely sacrifice good English for political correctness. I heard an ad on TV tonight that advised to "Send in your child's name and we will tell you whether they are a winner." Maybe I'm being picky, but I hear this error with annoying regularity from people who should know better -- people like school teachers and newscasters. You also hear the same error with the following words (which are all singular): Everbody Everyone Every (anything)

Report TOU Violation

Share This Post

Public Reply Prvt Reply Mark as Last Read File

Previous 10 Next 10 Previous Next