'They,' 'Their' and 'Them' to Refer to a Singular

 

Is it grammatically correct to say "Everyone should make sure they lock up their belongings" instead of, say, "Everyone should make sure he or she locks up his or her belongings" or possibly "Everyone should make sure he locks up his belongings."

Yes. The traditionally plural "they" is grammatical. But it's also controversial. Here's what you need to know to make a good call.

 

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Tags: COPY EDITING, GRAMMAR, OBJECTS AND SUBJECTS, PRONOUNS, SUBJECT VERB AGREEMENT

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