I got into a discussion the other day over an incorrect statement I made along the lines of these statements. (Note: I didn't use these specific examples)
1. Everyone came to our office party and brought their favorite dessert.
2. Each employee has to sign their annual evaluation and return it by December 31.
3. Someone forgot to lock the front door last night when they left the building.
4. Anyone who has worked for the company for at least six months is eligible for retirement benefits, but they have to complete the appropriate forms.
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First I ask, who of you initially finds these statements to be correct?
If you do your wrong, but why?
The antecedents ("everyone," "each," "someone," and "anyone") are indefinite pronouns, so called because they do not refer to a specific person, place, or thing. All of these indefinite pronouns are singular. Not only must we use a singular verb with them, but we must also refer to them with singular personal pronouns. Thus, one way to correct the sentences above is to replace the plural personal pronouns with their singular counterparts:
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In order for the sentences to be correct you either a. have to remove the personal pronouns or b. replace they with "he or she".
I personally find this hideous to hear so I don't honestly see anything wrong with going against acceptable grammar and creating a new use for "them" as a third person neutral gender pronoun. I mean this trend has been trying to break into "accepted" english for the past 400 years.
Others are against this and want to create an entirely new word (doesn't the english language have enough words all ready!) They want to use the words ne, nis, ner, nemself. WTF?!?! That's better than using they? I don't think so.
I was just wondering what each of our opinions were on this subject and what do they think should be done?
Sources: http://www.getitwriteonline.com/archive/121101.htm
http://www.lippart.com/ne.html
Edited by JanusRook