they

They are playing together in the park.

Definition

1. Pronoun:
   • Third person plural subject: "they" is used to refer to two or more people, animals, or things previously mentioned or easily identified.
   • Indefinite singular use: "they" is used to refer to a single person of unspecified gender, often as a gender-neutral alternative to "he" or "she."
   • General or impersonal reference: "they" can refer to people in general or an unspecified group, as in "they say that..."

Usage Examples

• Third person plural:

  • The students finished their homework; then they went to the park. (Refers to the students, a group of people.)
  • I bought some apples, but they were not ripe. (Refers to the apples, a group of things.)

• Indefinite singular:

  • If a customer is unhappy, they can request a refund. (Refers to a single customer without specifying gender.)
  • Someone left their bag; I hope they come back for it. (Refers to an unknown person.)

• General or impersonal:

  • They say that laughter is the best medicine. (Refers to people in general, an unspecified group.)
  • In my country, they drive on the left side of the road. (Refers to the general populace or authorities.)

Advanced Usage

• "they" as a non-binary pronoun: Used by individuals who do not identify as exclusively male or female.

  • Alex uses the pronoun "they" — they are a talented artist. (Refers to a specific non-binary person.)

• "they" in formal writing: Increasingly accepted in academic and professional contexts for singular indefinite reference.

  • Each participant must submit their form by Friday; they should also bring identification. (Formal, gender-neutral usage.)

Variants and Related Words

• Them (pronoun, objective case): the object form of "they."

  • I gave them the books. (The books were given to the group.)

• Their (possessive pronoun): belonging to or associated with the people or things previously mentioned.

  • Their house is on the corner. (The house belongs to them.)

• Theirs (possessive pronoun, independent): the thing or things belonging to or associated with them.

  • That car is theirs. (That car belongs to them.)

• Themselves (reflexive pronoun): used to refer to a group of people or things when the subject and object are the same.

  • They hurt themselves during the game. (They caused injury to themselves.)

Synonyms

• Those people: a phrase used to refer to a specific group of individuals.
• Folks: an informal term for people in general or a specific group.
• Everyone: used in general or impersonal contexts, though "everyone" is singular.

Phrasal Verbs

Related Idioms

• They that sow the wind shall reap the whirlwind: A proverb meaning that actions have consequences, especially negative ones.

  • If you spread lies, remember: they that sow the wind shall reap the whirlwind. (Consequences will follow.)

• As they say: Used to introduce a common saying or proverb.

  • As they say, better late than never. (Introducing a familiar expression.)