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‘They’ is plural

I cannot agree with the short article on page 11 of your January edition which states that “in English, ‘they’ can be used for one person...”

Published Modified

“They” is plural, and one always says “they are”.

In the singular, “he” or “she” are used, eg. “She is.” English, like French, has no accepted way to refer to a gender-neutral or non-binary individual – although Americans may feel otherwise!

John Davey, by email

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letters and comment language / linguistics letters

letters and comment language / linguistics letters