Their

Definition

Their is a possessive pronoun used to indicate ownership or association, specifically referring to something that belongs to or is associated with the people or things previously mentioned. It plays a vital role in clarifying relationships and possession in sentences, enhancing meaning and coherence.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Their is used exclusively to refer to multiple subjects, either people or entities, and cannot refer to a single subject.
2. In addition to indicating possession, 'their' can also be used in contexts where the gender of the subject is unspecified or when referring to non-binary individuals.
3. 'Their' helps maintain clarity in sentences by clearly associating objects or actions with the appropriate subjects.
4. The use of 'their' has evolved over time, with increasing acceptance in both spoken and written English for referring to singular antecedents as a gender-neutral option.
5. 'Their' can appear in various grammatical structures including noun phrases and as part of larger sentences, demonstrating its flexibility in usage.

Review Questions

• How does the use of 'their' differ when referring to singular versus plural antecedents?
  • 'Their' is primarily a plural possessive pronoun, used to show ownership related to multiple subjects. However, it has increasingly been accepted as a gender-neutral option for singular antecedents when the gender of the person is unspecified or when referring to non-binary individuals. This dual use allows for more inclusive language while retaining clarity about possession.
• Analyze how the use of 'their' contributes to clarity and coherence in written communication.
  • 'Their' enhances clarity by explicitly linking objects and actions to the correct subjects in a sentence. By using 'their', writers can avoid ambiguity regarding possession and ensure readers understand who or what owns an item or performs an action. This is especially important in complex sentences where multiple subjects might be referenced, as 'their' helps maintain coherence throughout the text.
• Evaluate the impact of evolving language norms on the use of 'their' as a singular possessive pronoun within contemporary English.
  • The evolving language norms have significantly impacted the acceptance of 'their' as a singular possessive pronoun. This shift reflects broader societal changes toward inclusivity and recognition of diverse gender identities. By allowing 'their' to function as a gender-neutral option, contemporary English promotes clearer communication while respecting individual identity. This evolution demonstrates how language adapts over time to meet the needs of its speakers and can influence both spoken and written forms of expression.

Related terms

they:

A third-person plural pronoun used to refer to people or things that are not specifically identified.

theirs:

The possessive form of they, indicating ownership by them.

possessive pronoun:

A type of pronoun that shows ownership or possession, such as my, your, his, her, its, our, and their.