Singular they refers to a single person whose gender is unknown, unspecified, or non-binary, and agrees with singular indefinite pronouns like everyone or someone, as in everyone should bring their own lunch. It takes plural verb forms even though the reference is singular, and has been documented in English for centuries.
Grammar Rule
Singular they refers to a single person whose gender is unknown, unspecified, or non-binary, and agrees with singular indefinite pronouns like everyone, someone, anybody. It takes plural verb forms even though the reference is singular. It has been documented in English for centuries, long before becoming a deliberate inclusive-language strategy.
They as a Generic Singular Pronoun: Rules and Examples
| Use | Verb form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Singular they with indefinite pronoun | plural verb form | Everyone should bring their own lunch. |
| Unknown or non-binary referent | plural verb form | The customer said they would return the item. |
Remember: Singular they agrees with singular indefinite pronouns and unknown or non-binary referents, always taking plural verb forms — it is centuries old, not a recent coinage.
Practice Test
Instructions
Answer each question in the test below using singular they correctly. You will get a new random set of questions every time you retake the test, plus a downloadable results summary with your name and score at the end.
C2-21 "They" as Generic Singular Pronoun
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who does singular they refer to?
A single person whose gender is unknown, unspecified, or non-binary, as in everyone should bring their own lunch.
What verb form does singular they take?
A plural verb form, even though the reference is singular.
Is singular they a recent invention?
No, it has been documented in English for centuries.
What kind of pronouns does singular they agree with?
Singular indefinite pronouns like everyone, someone, and anybody.