The Generic Masculine Pronoun
Pronouns have number, person, and gender.
Definition
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Example
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Number shows amount.
(singular or plural)
Person indicates whether the pronoun refers to the first person( I: the person speaking), second person (you: the person spoken to ) ,or third person (she: person, place, or thing spoken about).
Gender may be masculine, feminine, or neuter.
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Lenny has changed his plans.
Lenny and Sam have changed their plans.
I like to read mysteries
You can get them in the library.
Jill is studying math, which she needs.
He is a butcher, she is a baker.
It is a fine car.
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Traditionally, a masculine pronoun was used to refer to a single antecedent whose gender is not specified.
A student should turn in his assignments on time.
This usage is no longer considered correct, since it is sexist language. You can use both
the masculine and feminine pronouns or recast the sentence to make the pronoun plural:
the masculine and feminine pronouns or recast the sentence to make the pronoun plural:
A student should turn in his or her assignments on time.
Students should turn in their assignments on time.
Which choice is best? Consider rewriting these sentences to make the pronoun plural
because this results in smoother sentences.
because this results in smoother sentences.
