Quick Survey!

[Cjmate 1270]

I would like to collect a bit of information if y'all have the time. Very quick!

[argonian 14254]

what even is this

 

edit: btw it should be he and she not him and her

[Nug 2011]

2 and 3 are bit weird, you kind of have to assume or guess the gender of the nurse or the doctor, but it's an interesting topic.

[Cjmate 1270]

I am interested in whether or not people are using they in conversation. They is grammatically incorrect because it is plural. I believe people are using it in casual conversation regardless, though. 

[Nug 2011]

I am interested in whether or not people are using they in conversation. They is grammatically incorrect because it is plural. I believe people are using it in casual conversation regardless, though. 

I'm pretty sure it's correct when used in the right situation. 

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singular_they

[Birdnerdy 1539]

why do you care about this

[Cjmate 1270]

I'm pretty sure it's correct when used in the right situation. 

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singular_they

"Though singular they has a long history of usage and is common in everyday English, its use has been criticized since the late nineteenth century, and acceptance varies." It is not accepted grammatically in most cases. It might in the future. Grammaticists tend to say no, but linguists will say yes because it is being used in common speech.

 

Also, I am genuinely interested in whether or not people use they. I am taking a class in linguistics, and I thought this would be interesting to ask the lotc community. There is a correlation between how many people use it and how many people think it is grammatically correct. 

[bungo 3965]

I prefer xe.

[John Ivory 4546]

I use "he" when I do not know the gender of a person or thing. That's what my father taught me to use, especially when it came to pets.

[xDK 1205]

What does "she" mean? Doesn't people use "it" anymore?

[Space 2335]

I think the way the question is set up determines some stuff, especially for the 'him and her or her and him' one. First one I read I prefered, I think.

[Nug 2011]

What does "she" mean? Doesn't people use "it" anymore?

I don't think anyone uses "it" as it can seem degrading because it's often used when it comes to animals.

[Cjmate 1270]

People often use "he" as a generic referent if they do not know gender. "It" can be used, but the problem with it is a lot of people take offense to it. The reason for this is because it dehumanizes the subject. Most people use it for non-humans or in-animate objects. 

[Wolf Druid Ouity 1461]

To whoever answered nurse: What kind of unemployment line level employee prompts their boss to do their job?

[~ Fiend ~ 611]

"he knocked down her opponent."
"She filled his cup with water."

I get what you're going for, but I couldn't get past these.