Using gender-neutral language

1. Nouns

1.1 Gendered nouns and binary group-descriptions

Try to find gender-neutral alternatives to gendered nouns. Avoid binary constructions when talking about or addressing groups of people so as not to erase or exclude non-binary individuals.

1.2 Generic »man« and »man«-compounds

Refrain from defaulting to »man«-compounds (i.e., composite words containing »man« either as a prefix or a suffix) or »man« as a generic descriptor when generalizing about groups of people or their attributes (as in »All men are created equal«).

1.3 Occupational titles and gender stereotypes

The aforementioned issue of defaulting to male-centered descriptors is typical when it comes to job titles, particularly when talking about occupational fields that have traditionally been reserved for men (e.g. »Being a policeman is a particularly tough job«). Similarly, in jobs that have traditionally been reserved for women, many people habitually use female-centred job descriptors (e.g. »The theatre’s seamstresses produced 500 costumes for this production«). To avoid reproducing gendered stereotypes about who can perform certain tasks or hold certain positions, we recommend using gender-neutral job descriptors.

Occasionally, speakers/writers will modify an otherwise neutral job title or position to highlight the subject’s gender. This generally happens in cases where the subject’s gender contradicts conventional expectations as to who performs certain tasks or holds certain positions. Unless the gender of the person performing a particular task or holding a particular position is relevant to the discussion, you should avoid specifying their gender (Here is an example where the professional’s gender is relevant to the meaning of the sentence: »Carol preferred to talk to a female police officer about her experiences of domestic violence«).

2. Pronouns

2.1 Use »they« as a singular pronoun

The pronoun »they« (»them«/ »their«/ »theirs«/ »themselves«) is most often used to refer to a plural subject. It has become increasingly common, especially in spoken language, to also use »they« to refer to a singular subject. While some individuals or institutions may still object to the use of »they« as a third person singular pronoun in formal writing, it is worth noting that singular »they« has been in use since at least the 14th century and has been added to various English language dictionaries (e.g., the Oxford English Dictionary).

The singular »they« (»them«/ »their«/ »theirs«/ »themselves«) is used in cases where the gender of the singular subject is unknown, irrelevant, variable, non-binary, or in cases where gender needs to be concealed.

Examples:

»Someone’s at the door for you« – »What do they want?«

»If a client wants to file a complaint, they can do so online«

»This is Finn. They identify as non-binary, and this is their cat, Rachel« [1]

»Who is the state attorney’s witness?« – »I’m not allowed to disclose their name« 

[1] Be aware that not all non-binary people prefer »they« as their personal pronoun. If in doubt, ask.

2.2 Use a plural antecedent

In many cases, using the plural-form of nouns and pronouns is an excellent option for avoiding gendered language without causing any confusion or losing any meaning:

Example:

»Children who lose their favourite toy are usually very sad«

Instead of:
»A child who loses [his/her/their] favourite toy is usually very sad«
  

2.3 Eliminate the pronoun

(a) Omit any pronoun

Example:

»A doctor is obliged to treat an emergency patient, even when office hours are officially over«

Instead of:
»A doctor is obliged to treat an emergency patient, even when [his/her/their] hours have officially ended«

(b) Replace a possessive pronoun with an article

Example:

»Each candidate must send the application to the board of directors«

Instead of:
»Each candidate must send [his/her/their] application to the board of directors«