they
/ðeɪ/ (bre, ipa) · /ðeɪ/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈt͟hā/ (ame, mw)
they — pronoun
1. Use this word as the sentence subject when pointing to individuals, creatures, o
Use this word as the sentence subject when pointing to individuals, creatures, or objects the audience already knows about from earlier discussion.
Jiwoo and Zola applied for the job, and they both got interviews.
subject they referring to two named people
The dogs were barking loudly, and they did not stop until the mail carrier left.
subject they referring to animals
Where are my keys? I put them on the table, but now they are gone.
Feng and Lisa are planning a trip to Japan, and they have already booked the flights.
用法筆記
This is the most common use of 'they'. The referent (the people, animals, or things being talked about) must be clear from the earlier part of the conversation or the surrounding text. Using 'they' without a clear antecedent can confuse the listener.
常見錯誤
2. used to talk about a single person when you do not know whether that person is m
used to talk about a single person when you do not know whether that person is male or female, or when the person's gender is not important.
If a student needs extra help, they should speak to the teacher after class.
singular they for unknown gender
Someone left their phone on the bus — I hope they come back to get it.
possessive their with singular they
Each guest should bring their own towel if they plan to use the pool.
A good nurse listens carefully when a patient tells them about their pain.
- he or she
more formal and less common in everyday speech; 'they' is preferred in modern usage.
用法筆記
This is called the 'singular they.' Although the reference is to one person, the verb form remains plural: 'they are' (not 'they is') and 'they were' (not 'they was'). This usage has been standard in English for centuries and is currently the most common way to refer to a person of unknown gender. It is preferred over the older 'he or she' in most modern writing because it is shorter and more inclusive.
常見錯誤
3. Describes a known individual whose sense of their own gender goes beyond simply
Describes a known individual whose sense of their own gender goes beyond simply 'man' or 'woman' — for example, someone who identifies as non-binary.
Nadia told me that Hari is non-binary and uses they/them pronouns.
singular they for non-binary identity
I asked the designer about their inspiration, and they showed me their portfolio.
Esme is my colleague — they are a talented graphic designer who works remotely.
Kevin told us that their sibling prefers they/them pronouns at school.
用法筆記
This sense is distinct from sense 2. In sense 2, the person's gender is unknown; in sense 3, the person is known but does not identify as male or female. When someone tells you their pronouns are they/them, it is respectful to use those pronouns consistently — in subject position ('they'), object position ('them'), and possessive ('their'). Verb agreement is the same as plural 'they': 'they is' is incorrect; 'they is a designer' ❌ → 'they are a designer' ✅.