thirdpersonsingular
Third-Person, Singular, Indefinite Pronoun
We discussed the current "politically correct feminist climate" of our changing language as related to conventions regarding the third person singular indefinite pronoun when referencing an individual whose gender is unknown:
1) he/him/his: It has long been understood and accepted that the singular form "he/him" would be used for referencing any singular individual of unspecified gender.
For example: Each teacher should bring his students to the auditorium by 9:00.
This is now considered to be "sexist language," however, and is falling out of favor and general use. It is still often used in church contexts, however, where male pronouns are still used to reference mankind. The student may find that other KEYS teachers still require this form, and for that reason it will still be accepted as correct in my class. The student should know that in the general context of academic and public writing, however, this convention is no longer universally accepted.
2) she/her/her(s): In some contexts, it has become considered acceptable to continue to use the singular form for referencing any singular individual of unspecified gender as long as the female singular pronouns are used.
For example: Every student can reach her full potential if she is given enough time and instruction.
However, this language is also "sexist" and is potentially awkward, so it has been attempted but not widely adopted for general use. I mention it here only so the student will be familiar with it when he or she sees it. It will not be accepted as correct in my class.
3) he or she/him or her/his or her(s): As this is the only form that preserves grammatical agreement in both number and gender (when referencing a singular individual of unspecified gender), it is the current standard for correct grammatical usage.
However, it is widely recognized (by both grammarians and the general public) that this is as awkward in formal writing as it is in speech. For this reason, writers wishing to reference individuals of unspecified gender are being encouraged to recast sentences in the plural whenever possible.
For example: The parent wishing to leave his or her child in the church nursery should be sure that his
or her name is on all of his or her belongings. ---> Parents wishing to leave their children in the
church nursery should be sure that their names are on all of their belongings.
4) "singular they": This is the "up and coming" standard that is already widely used in speech and informal writing. Many academic settings are beginning to implement its use in more formal writing as well, and contemporary grammarians are reluctantly accepting its use as valid. For this reason, I will accept the use of the "singular they" in your writing as long as it is applied consistently and properly in all other respects.
For example: Each person who brings their spouse to the conference will get a discount.