pronouns
Last updatedDefinition
Pronouns are words that take the place of a noun and tend to correlate to gender identity in the third person: he, she, they, ze … Pronouns sometimes serve as markers of gender, but not always, as a person’s gender expression doesn’t always “match” their gender. Plenty of feminine-presenting and/or masculine-presenting people, for example, identify as nonbinary and may use gender-neutral pronouns. Or someone who is genderfluid may use she/they pronouns.
Someone’s pronouns can’t be assumed based on how they look. If someone’s pronouns are unknown, they/them/theirs can be used as a gender-neutral alternative instead of the binary he/she. If someone uses multiple pronouns, alternating usages throughout the piece, or asking them which pronouns to use given the context, ensures coverage accurately reflects how they self-identify. (It may be helpful for clarity to introduce them with their pronouns, though it is not always necessary to do so.)
Saying someone “uses she/they pronouns” (vs. “prefers she/they pronouns”) affirms that a person’s pronouns or gender are not a choice but a deeply felt part of their identity. For instance, “X, who uses she/they pronouns, is up for reelection.” Or, “X, whose pronouns are she/they, is up for reelection.”
If using the lesser-known nonbinary pronouns like xe/xir and ze/hir, it may be helpful to explain their meaning and provide a phonetic spelling for correct pronunciation (e.g.,: “Xe uses the pronouns xe/xir, pronounced ze/zir”).
Whether to use “themself” or “themselves” as the reflexive form of they/them pronouns is debated; whenever possible, following an individual’s preference ensures coverage accurately reflects how they self-identify.
Mx. (pronounced “mix”) is sometimes used as a gender-neutral honorific; both the Merriam-Webster and Oxford dictionaries include it.
Additional resources
- Pronouns: A Guide From GLSEN (GLSEN)
- How to get people’s pronouns right and what to do if you slip up (CNN)
- ‘Themself’ or ‘Themselves’? (Quick and Dirty Tips)
- They, Then and Now (The Cut)
Summary
Pronouns are words that take the place of a noun and tend to correlate to gender identity in the third person: he, she, they, ze … Some individuals also use a combination of pronouns (e.g., he/they, she/they, she/xir). Providing brief explanation for some less common pronouns can be helpful for clarity. If someone’s pronouns are unknown, they/them/theirs can be used as a gender-neutral alternative instead of the binary he/she. Saying someone “uses she/they pronouns” (vs. “prefers she/they pronouns”) affirms that a person’s pronouns and gender identity are not a choice but a deeply felt part of their identity.