How to pronounce 'they'?
they
pronoun
What is the definition of they?
pronounThe plural of he, she, or it. They is never used adjectively, but always as a pronoun proper, and sometimes refers to persons without an antecedent expressed.
What is the meaning of the word 'they'?
- The word 'they' is a pronoun that is used to refer to a group of people or things. It is the third-person plural pronoun.
How is the word 'they' used in a sentence?
- The word 'they' is used as a subject pronoun or an object pronoun. For example:
- - Subject pronoun: 'They are going to the park.'
- - Object pronoun: 'She saw them at the party.'
Is 'they' a singular or plural pronoun?
- 'They' is typically used as a plural pronoun, referring to multiple people or things. However, it can also be used as a gender-neutral singular pronoun when referring to a person whose gender is unknown or when referring to a non-binary person.
What is the origin of the word 'they'?
- The word 'they' originated from the Old Norse word 'their,' which means 'those, them.' It entered the English language in the 12th century.
Can 'they' be used to refer to animals or objects?
- Yes, 'they' can be used to refer to animals or objects when personification or anthropomorphism is employed. For example: 'The dogs ran into the field, but they quickly returned.'
Are there alternative pronouns to 'they'?
- Yes, there are alternative gender-neutral pronouns, such as 'ze/zir,' 'he/she/they,' and 'xe/xem.' These pronouns are used by individuals who do not identify strictly as male or female and prefer non-binary pronouns.
Can 'they' be used as a possessive pronoun?
- No, 'they' cannot be used as a possessive pronoun. The possessive form of 'they' is 'their.' For example: 'They went to their house.'
Can 'they' be used as an indefinite pronoun?
- Yes, 'they' can be used as an indefinite pronoun to refer to an unspecified person or people. For example: 'They say it's going to rain tomorrow.'
Is 'they' a common pronoun in English?
- Yes, 'they' is a common pronoun in English, especially when referring to a group of people. It is widely used in both spoken and written language.
Can 'they' be used as a reflexive pronoun?
- No, 'they' cannot be used as a reflexive pronoun. The reflexive form of 'they' is 'themselves.' For example: 'They dressed themselves.'
