Things often seem at its worst ?

[keannu]

I have seen numerous cases for singular-plural matching. So in the following question of a test, number 5 "Things often seem at ⑤its worst " is the incorrect answer,
but can you also say "Things often seem at its worst" instead of "Things often seem at their worst"?

ex)I wonder how many people give up just when success is almost within reach. They endure day after day, and just when they’re about ①to make it, decide they can’t take any more. The difference between success and failure is not that great. Successful people have simply learned the value of staying in the game until it is won. Those who never make it ④are the ones who quit too soon. When things are darkest, successful people refuse to give up because they know they’re almost there. Things often seem at [FONT=신명 중명조]⑤[/FONT]its worst just before they get better. The mountain is steepest at the summit, but that’s no reason to turn back.

 

[SoothingDave]

No. "Things" is plural. "Their" is plural. Things are at their worst.

There are some cases where people use "their" with singular subjects, but that is to avoid saying "his." (Which some easily-offended can view as "sexist.")

Match singular to singular and plural to plural.

 

[freezeframe]

that is to avoid saying "his." (Which some easily-offended can view as "sexist.")

You mean, like feminists? Oh, really?

 

[keannu]

No. "Things" is plural. "Their" is plural. Things are at their worst.

There are some cases where people use "their" with singular subjects, but that is to avoid saying "his." (Which some easily-offended can view as "sexist.")

Match singular to singular and plural to plural.

Thanks a lot, and I think it's like "A student should do their best" to avoid sexist nuance. Isn't it?

 

[Rover_KE]

'A student should do their best.'

I always avoid this by saying 'Students should do their best'.

Rover