Odessa Dawn
Key Member
- Joined
- Aug 10, 2012
- Member Type
- Student or Learner
- Native Language
- Arabic
- Home Country
- Saudi Arabia
- Current Location
- Saudi Arabia
English has always used the male pronoun when the sex is unknown or mixed. "Everyone should bring his book."
A few decades ago, some people decided this was "offensive" because it seems to exclude females. So people started using "his or her" or similar expressions.
That was too much trouble, so people have begun to simply use the plural, non-gender specific "their" in these cases.
Now no one is offended except grammar purists!
Coleen says..
This is such a sad situation all round, but at least he’s being honest and civil, and isn’t trying to hurt you.
It’s always very hard when you still love someone and they don’t love you any more.
More: My husband has left but I want him back - Coleen Nolan problem page - Mirror Online
Does they in here represent unknown or mixed sex as you said before?