Pet Peeve #6 - Words
Words, yes words, annoy me. There are rules of how all the words we use are supposed to be used, and then people go along and break all the rules.
And it works.
This post was originally about my displeasure over the use of the singular “they”. I had the post all ready to go and put up, but I needed an example. I called on the writing talents and knowledge of my fiancé, only to find we got into a discussion on the subject.
I argued (nicely, of course) that “they” is a plural and thus should not be used in the singular. He retorted with an example where it could possibly be okay to use “they” in the singular.
Grumbling (no one likes to be wrong), I went through my bookmarks because I remembered someone mentioning the use of “they” on their blog. Upon finding it and reading only one post header - this post header - I admitted defeat.
He was right.
And so, I learned something, and you can learn something as well. Courtesy of Lighthouse Writing Tips, I give you:
Part One
Part Two
and Part Three
All on the usage of the singular “they”.
Now, I’m off to read.
Perhaps also to sulk a bit.
Not for too long, though. There are words to be written.
January 17th, 2007 at 9:13 pm
The only reason “they” should be used is in dialogue and in tight POV. It’s technically incorrect in the singular. But if it suits your narraotr or character, no problemo.
The problem is that English has no gender neutral singular pronoun: only his/he/him and hers/she/her.
Someone left ________ lipstick on ________ desk.
That was on a test in grade four. I wrote “their.”
Answer: his (since the masculine is the default)
HUGE argument ensued.
January 18th, 2007 at 3:10 am
You think you know it all and then grammar comes and stumps you…didn’t realize that ‘they’ was singular.
January 18th, 2007 at 5:38 pm
Well, there’s the plural they *and* the singular they.
January 19th, 2007 at 7:44 pm
Chris - Sorry, your comment was held hostage by the spam filter for a bit.
I would have argued that one too. English can be so frustrating that way. I try to avoid use of the singular “they” at all costs.