his or its

[Hanka]

Hello,

could you please tell me whether it is better to use "his" or "its" in contracts, e.g.:

The supplier gives his/its written consent ....

My google search suggests that "its" is more frequently used. Maybe it is because we don´t know whether the supplier is a man or a woman or a company...

Thank you very much.

Hanka

[Nikole]

I think his is right. Possessive pronoun its is referred to animals and inanimate things

[Fazzu]

Originally Posted by Hanka

My google search suggests that "its" is more frequently used. Maybe it is because we don´t know whether the supplier is a man or a woman or a company...

You are right.If a company, you are to use "its" and "his" if the supplier is a man.

[Hanka]

But it is a bit strange to use "it" or "its" when referring to a supplier etc., although it is a company. A company is always represented by someone. Is it then correct both "it" and "he"?

Thank you.

Hanka

[riverkid]

Originally Posted by Hanka

Hello,
could you please tell me whether it is better to use "his" or "its" in contracts, e.g.:
The supplier gives his/its written consent ....
My google search suggests that "its" is more frequently used. Maybe it is because we don´t know whether the supplier is a man or a woman or a company...
Thank you very much.
Hanka

If you're concerned / If you were concerned about people feelings then it would be best to find out if there is a certain person responsible for that and then you might make use of his/her.

Or use, "The supplier, ABC Company, gives its written consent ...".