A Sentence With Their In It

"A Sentence with 'Their' in It": Understanding Usage, Grammar, and Examples

The correct and effective use of pronouns is crucial for clear and concise communication, and the pronoun “their” is no exception. This article delves into the intricacies of using "their" in a sentence, covering its grammatical functions, common pitfalls, and providing numerous examples to illustrate proper usage. Whether you're a student, writer, or simply someone looking to improve their understanding of English grammar, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to confidently use "their" in your writing and speech.

Introduction

The word "their" is a possessive pronoun, a form of the pronoun "they," and it indicates ownership or association. In English grammar, "their" is used to show that something belongs to or is associated with a group of people or things. It can also be used as a singular they, a practice that has become increasingly common and accepted to refer to a single person whose gender is unknown, non-binary, or irrelevant. Understanding the different contexts in which "their" can be used is essential for writing clearly and avoiding grammatical errors.

What is a Possessive Pronoun?

A possessive pronoun is a pronoun that shows ownership. Unlike possessive adjectives (like my, your, his, her, its, our), possessive pronouns stand alone and do not modify a noun. Here are the main possessive pronouns in English:

• Mine: Indicates ownership by the speaker (e.g., "This book is mine.")
• Yours: Indicates ownership by the person being spoken to (e.g., "That car is yours.")
• His: Indicates ownership by a male person (e.g., "The house is his.")
• Hers: Indicates ownership by a female person (e.g., "The decision is hers.")
• Its: Indicates ownership by a non-human entity (e.g., "The company made the mistake, and the blame is its.")
• Ours: Indicates ownership by a group including the speaker (e.g., "The victory is ours.")
• Theirs: Indicates ownership by a group (e.g., "The ideas are theirs.")

"Their" is closely related to "they," which is a personal pronoun used to refer to multiple people or things. "Their" indicates that something belongs to or is associated with those people or things. For instance, in the sentence "The students completed their assignments," "their" shows that the assignments belong to the students.

The Traditional Use of "Their"

Traditionally, "their" is used as the plural possessive pronoun. This means it refers to something owned or associated with a group of people or things. Here are some examples:

1. The team celebrated their victory. In this sentence, "their" shows that the victory belongs to the team as a whole.
2. The children played in their backyard. Here, "their" indicates that the backyard belongs to the children.
3. The employees received their bonuses. "Their" signifies that the bonuses were given to the employees.
4. The birds built their nests in the tree. In this case, "their" shows that the nests belong to the birds.
5. The musicians tuned their instruments before the concert. "Their" indicates that the instruments belong to the musicians.

In each of these examples, "their" is used to correctly indicate possession by a plural subject. This is the traditional and most straightforward use of the pronoun.

The Singular "Their": A Modern Development

In recent years, the use of "their" as a singular pronoun has gained widespread acceptance. This usage occurs when referring to a single person whose gender is unknown, non-binary, or when gender is irrelevant. This development has been driven by the need for more inclusive language and a recognition of diverse gender identities.

Reasons for Using Singular "Their"

1. Gender Neutrality: When the gender of a person is unknown or irrelevant, using "their" avoids making assumptions or using potentially offensive language. For example, "If a student needs help, they should ask the teacher."
2. Non-Binary Identity: Many people identify as non-binary, meaning they do not identify exclusively as male or female. Using "their" respects their gender identity. For example, "The student introduced themself and explained their pronouns are they/them."
3. Clarity and Simplicity: In some cases, using "their" can be a simpler and more direct way to refer to a person without specifying gender. For example, instead of saying "Each employee should bring his or her lunch," you can say "Each employee should bring their lunch."

Examples of Singular "Their" in Use

1. Each participant should submit their entry by Friday. This sentence avoids assuming the gender of each participant.
2. If someone forgets their password, they can reset it online. Here, "their" is used because the gender of the person who forgets their password is unknown.
3. The guest speaker shared their personal experiences with the audience. In this case, the speaker might identify as non-binary or prefer to use gender-neutral pronouns.
4. A student left their backpack in the classroom. "Their" is used because the gender of the student is not specified.
5. Everyone deserves to have their voice heard. This sentence uses "their" to be inclusive and not assume any particular gender.

Grammatical Considerations

While the singular "their" is now widely accepted, it's essential to use it correctly to maintain grammatical consistency. Here are a few points to keep in mind:

• Verb Agreement: When using singular "their," the verb should still agree with the singular antecedent. For example, "Each person is responsible for their own actions."
• Reflexive Pronouns: Use "themself" as the reflexive form of singular "their." For example, "The student taught themself how to code."
• Clarity: Ensure that the use of singular "their" is clear and does not cause confusion. If there's a risk of ambiguity, consider rephrasing the sentence.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using "their" correctly can be tricky, especially when navigating the nuances of singular versus plural usage. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

1. Confusing "Their," "There," and "They're": This is perhaps the most common error.
   • "Their" indicates possession (e.g., "Their car is parked outside").
   • "There" indicates a place or is used to start a sentence (e.g., "The book is over there," or "There are many stars in the sky").
   • "They're" is a contraction of "they are" (e.g., "They're going to the store").
2. Incorrect Agreement with Antecedents: Ensure that "their" agrees in number with the noun it refers to. For example, it's incorrect to say, "Each student should bring their own books" if you mean only one book per student. Instead, say, "Each student should bring his or her own book" (though the single "their" is increasingly acceptable here).
3. Using "His or Her" Excessively: While grammatically correct, constantly using "his or her" can make your writing clunky. Singular "their" offers a more streamlined alternative. For example, instead of "Every employee should review his or her performance," use "Every employee should review their performance."
4. Lack of Clarity: Sometimes, the use of "their" can lead to confusion if the antecedent is not clear. For example, in the sentence "The parents told the children about their problems," it's unclear whether the problems belong to the parents or the children. Rephrase the sentence to avoid ambiguity: "The parents told the children about the parents' problems."
5. Inconsistent Pronoun Usage: Avoid switching between singular and plural pronouns unnecessarily. If you start using singular "their" to refer to a person, maintain that usage throughout the text.

How to Practice Using "Their" Correctly

Mastering the use of "their" requires practice and attention to detail. Here are some exercises and strategies to help you improve:

1. Identify the Antecedent: Always make sure you know exactly who or what "their" is referring to in your sentence. This will help you ensure proper agreement.
2. Rewrite Sentences: Take sentences where you've used "his or her" and rewrite them using singular "their." This will help you get comfortable with the construction.
3. Read Widely: Pay attention to how professional writers use "their" in their work. Note the contexts in which they use singular "their" and how they maintain clarity.
4. Practice Exercises: Complete grammar exercises that focus on pronoun agreement and usage. Many online resources offer quizzes and worksheets to test your knowledge.
5. Seek Feedback: Ask a friend, teacher, or colleague to review your writing and provide feedback on your pronoun usage.
6. Keep a Grammar Guide Handy: Refer to a grammar guide or online resource when you're unsure about the correct usage of "their."

Advanced Usage and Style Tips

Beyond the basics, there are some advanced techniques and stylistic considerations that can help you use "their" even more effectively:

1. Vary Sentence Structure: While singular "their" is useful, relying on it too heavily can make your writing repetitive. Vary your sentence structure by occasionally using plural constructions or rephrasing to avoid pronouns altogether.
2. Be Mindful of Your Audience: Consider your audience and the context of your writing. While singular "their" is widely accepted, some readers may still find it unconventional. Tailor your language to suit your audience's expectations and preferences.
3. Use "Their" to Avoid Stereotypes: In some cases, using "their" can help you avoid perpetuating gender stereotypes. For example, instead of saying "The doctor should listen to his patients," you can say "The doctor should listen to their patients."
4. Balance Inclusivity with Clarity: While inclusivity is important, ensure that your use of "their" does not sacrifice clarity. If there's a risk of confusion, consider rephrasing the sentence or providing additional context.
5. Understand the Historical Context: Recognizing the evolution of "their" from strictly plural to including singular uses provides a deeper understanding of linguistic adaptation and inclusivity.

Examples of "Their" in Complex Sentences

To further illustrate the use of "their," here are some examples of "their" in more complex sentence structures:

1. Considering their extensive experience and dedication, the committee unanimously decided to award them the grant. In this sentence, "their" refers to the committee members.
2. Each participant, regardless of their background, was encouraged to share their unique perspective during the workshop. Here, "their" is used in the singular form to avoid gender assumptions.
3. The company announced that their profits had increased significantly due to their innovative marketing strategies. In this sentence, the first "their" refers to the company, and the second "their" refers to the company's marketing team.
4. Despite their initial reservations, the neighbors eventually welcomed the new family into their community. "Their" refers to the neighbors in this context.
5. If a student is struggling with the material, encouraging them to seek help from their professor can greatly improve their understanding. The use of "their" ensures inclusivity, acknowledging the diverse identities of students.

The Future of "Their"

The evolution of "their" reflects broader trends in language toward inclusivity and gender neutrality. As societal attitudes continue to evolve, it's likely that the singular use of "their" will become even more widespread and accepted. It's important to stay informed about these changes and adapt your language accordingly.

Predictions and Trends

1. Increased Acceptance: As younger generations become more influential, the use of singular "their" is likely to become even more normalized.
2. Formal Recognition: Grammar guides and style manuals may continue to update their recommendations to reflect the widespread use of singular "their."
3. Global Adoption: The trend toward gender-neutral language is not limited to English. Other languages are also exploring ways to be more inclusive, and this may influence the use of pronouns in those languages as well.

Conclusion

Mastering the use of "their" in a sentence involves understanding its role as a possessive pronoun, recognizing its traditional plural usage, and embracing its modern singular application. By avoiding common mistakes and practicing consistently, you can confidently use "their" to communicate clearly, accurately, and inclusively. As language evolves, staying informed and adaptable will ensure that your writing remains effective and respectful. Whether you're crafting academic papers, professional reports, or everyday emails, a solid grasp of "their" will undoubtedly enhance your communication skills.