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English Grammar


Plural or not plural

Patrick de T.
User since 2011
Posts: 20

6 March 2012

In my lesson today, I find these two sentences:


1) The writer is saying that they are...
2) The sender is expressing their enthusiasm...


Why using the prural (they are, their enthusiasm)although the subject is singular?


Thankyou!

4 comments

  • User since 2006
    Posts: 2715

    6 March 2012

    1) Who are those persons who are....? They are not the writer I suppose.
    2) The sender is expressing the enthusiasm of whom?


    If you think elsewise, please, Patrick, complete the sentences.


    The plural is used in some subordinate clauses introduced by a main clause in the singular. For example: Everybody is (sing.) saying that they (plural) are tired. But, apparently, that's not the case in your sentences.
  • User since 2010
    Posts: 115

    11 March 2012

    Hi Patrick,


    We sometimes use "they" to refer to a person whose gender has not been specified.


    In the past, it was more common to use "he", but today this is considered somewhat sexist. "They" is a more neutral, non-gendered form of referring to a person whose gender is not known.
  • User since 2011
    Posts: 20

    6 April 2012

    Hi Sammy!


    Thank you for your comment...I understand now. The same expression occured in the lesson today!
  • User since 2011
    Posts: 20

    6 April 2012

    Hi Sammy!


    Thank you for your comment...I understand now. The same expression occured in the lesson today!

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