> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://sftpmag.gitbook.io/sftp-publishing/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://sftpmag.gitbook.io/sftp-publishing/style-guide/pronouns.md).

# Pronouns

**Gender neutral pronouns should always be used when gendered pronouns are not used / specified to refer to an individual. Below are the CMOS guidelines for using they/them/theirs pronouns (see section "*****They***** to refer to a specific person").** 

### The pronoun *they*

Most often in English the pronoun *they* refers to a plural antecedent, but *they* can also be used to refer to a singular antecedent. There are two main ways in which *they* has this singular meaning. In *CMOS* 17, one type is approved for use in all kinds of writing, including formal contexts; the other is recommended mainly for informal writing.

### *They* as a substitute for the generic *he*

First, let’s take *they* as the familiar substitute for the so-called generic *he* when referring to someone whose gender is unknown or unspecified.

**Examples:**

{Whoever tallied the scores should add their own vote to the total.}\
{Does anyone want their pizza reheated?}

Chicago accepts this use of singular *they* in speech and informal writing. For formal writing, most modern style and usage manuals have not accepted this usage until recently, if at all. *CMOS* 17 does not prohibit the use of singular *they* as a substitute for the generic *he* in formal writing, but recommends avoiding it, offering various other ways to achieve bias-free language.

**A note on flexibility:** Editors should always practice judgment and regard for the reader. For instance, some recent books published by the University of Chicago Press feature the use of the singular *they* as a substitute for the generic *he*. Context should be a guide when choosing a style, and the writer’s preferences should always receive consideration.

### *They* to refer to a specific person

A writer (or speaker) may also use *they* to refer to a specific, known person who does not identify with a gender-specific pronoun such as *he* or *she*. (*They* used in this way was the [American Dialect Society’s 2015 Word of the Year](http://www.americandialect.org/2015-word-of-the-year-is-singular-they).) *CMOS* 17 will advise that “a person’s stated preference for a specific pronoun should be respected.” This usage is still not widespread either in speech or in writing, but Chicago accepts it even in formal writing.

### The grammar of *they*

Like singular *you*, singular *they* is treated as a grammatical plural and\* takes a plural verb.

{their favorite color is blue}\
{they have a degree in molecular biology}

*CMOS* 17 will state that *themself* (like *yourself*) may be used to signal the singular antecedent (though some people will prefer *themselves*).

{they blamed themself \[or themselves]}