Using pronouns accurately can transform your writing from stiff and awkward to clear and inclusive. If you are learning the singular they grammar rules with examples, you may be surprised to learn that this usage is not a modern internet invention—it has been part of the English language for over six hundred years. Today, major style manuals such as APA, Chicago, and MLA fully endorse the singular “they” for both unknown persons and nonbinary individuals.

This comprehensive guide breaks down the core rules, verb agreement conventions, historical roots, style guide standards, and more than 75 practical examples across academic, business, and everyday contexts.

What Is the “Singular They”? (Definition and Meaning)

The singular they is the use of the pronouns they, them, their, theirs, and themselves (or themself) to refer to a single individual rather than a group.

English speakers rely on the singular “they” in two primary scenarios:

1. Unknown or unspecified gender: When referring to a generic person whose gender is irrelevant or not known (e.g., “Somebody left their jacket on the chair.”).
2. Known nonbinary or gender-expansive individuals: When referring to a specific person who uses they/them pronouns rather than he/him or she/her (e.g., “Alex called to confirm that they will attend the meeting.”).

A Brief History: It Isn’t New

Critics sometimes claim that using “they” for one person violates traditional grammar. However, historical evidence shows otherwise:

• Geoffrey Chaucer used it in The Canterbury Tales (late 1300s).
• William Shakespeare used it in The Comedy of Errors and Hamlet.
• Jane Austen frequently used it in Pride and Prejudice to maintain natural sentence rhythm.
• The singular “they” emerged for the same reason the singular “you” replaced “thou” centuries ago: English needed a versatile, polite pronoun for single individuals.

Singular They Grammar Rules with Examples: The Core Principles

Mastering the singular “they” requires understanding four simple grammatical principles.

                    ┌──────────────────────────────────────────────┐
                    │      SINGULAR "THEY" GRAMMAR AT A GLANCE     │
                    └──────────────────────┬───────────────────────┘
                                           │
         ┌─────────────────────────────────┼─────────────────────────────────┐
         ▼                                 ▼                                 ▼
   [ RULE 1: VERBS ]              [ RULE 2: REFLEXIVE ]             [ RULE 3: CLARITY ]
Always take PLURAL verbs         Use "themselves" (formal)       Ensure antecedents are
(e.g., "They ARE coming",        or "themself" (informal/        clear when multiple people
 NOT "They is coming").           specific individual).           are mentioned in context.

Rule 1: Always Use Plural Verb Conjugation

Even though the referent is one person, the pronoun they always takes a plural verb form.

• Incorrect: They is reviewing the report.
• Correct: They are reviewing the report.
• Incorrect: When the client arrives, make sure they has a guest badge.
• Correct: When the client arrives, make sure they have a guest badge.

Helpful Analogy: Think of the pronoun you. Whether you speak to one person (“You are welcome”) or fifty people (“You are all welcome”), the verb is always are, never is. The singular they works the exact same way.

Rule 2: “Themselves” vs. “Themself”

When forming reflexive pronouns for a single person:

• Themselves: Accepted across all formal styles (APA, MLA, Chicago, AP Style).
• Themself: Increasingly common when emphasizing a single individual (“The candidate themself answered the inquiry”), but still flagged by some formal editorial guides.
• Standard / Safe for Formal Writing: A team member should be proud of themselves.
• Informal / Conversational: Jordan made dinner all by themself.

Rule 3: Agreement with Indefinite Pronouns

Words like everyone, everybody, someone, somebody, anyone, anybody, no one, and nobody are grammatically singular in English, but they often refer to unspecified people. Use they/them/their to replace them smoothly without forced phrasing like “he or she.”

• Clunky: Everyone should submit his or her timesheet by Friday.
• Natural: Everyone should submit their timesheet by Friday.

Rule 4: Context and Antecedent Clarity

If a sentence introduces multiple people, using “they” without a clear referent can confuse the reader. Always make sure the antecedent (the noun being replaced) is unmistakable.

• Confusing: Dr. Patel discussed the patient’s test results with nurse Sarah, and then they updated the file. (Who updated it?)
• Clear: After discussing the results with nurse Sarah, Dr. Patel updated the file themselves.

Major Style Guides on the Singular “They”

Leading editorial authorities fully accept the singular “they”:

75+ Practical Examples of the Singular “They”

Below are real-world, categorized examples illustrating how to apply the singular they correctly across multiple contexts.

1. Basic & Everyday Examples (15 Sentences)

1. Someone left their umbrella in the hallway.
2. If a customer calls, tell them I will call back in ten minutes.
3. A driver should always check their blind spot before merging.
4. Who dropped their transit card near the turnstile?
5. Somebody forgot their groceries at the checkout counter.
6. A child needs to feel that their thoughts are valued.
7. If your neighbor stops by, ask them if they received the package.
8. Any runner can finish a marathon if they train consistently.
9. A homeowner should winterize their pipes before December.
10. The teacher asked the student to read their paragraph out loud.
11. If a caller refuses to state their name, do not transfer the call.
12. Someone parked their bicycle right across the ramp.
13. Every homeowner should check their smoke detector batteries annually.
14. If a guest wants tea, bring them the herbal selection.
15. Somebody dropped their car keys in the elevator shaft.

2. Intermediate: Indefinite Pronouns (15 Sentences)

16. Everyone brought their own laptop to the workshop.
17. Nobody should have to surrender their personal password.
18. Anybody who finishes early may turn in their test.
19. Each participant explained their perspective on the case study.
20. Someone mentioned that they had visited this museum before.
21. Has anyone found their missing notebook yet?
22. Everyone wants their voice to matter during community forums.
23. Neither employee claimed the coat was theirs.
24. If somebody chooses that elective, they must complete the prerequisites.
25. No one wants to realize that their flight was canceled.
26. Everyone took their seat before the keynote address started.
27. When anyone applies for the grant, they must provide three references.
28. Somebody knocked on the front door, but they walked away before I answered.
29. Each candidate will be notified whether they passed the assessment.
30. If anybody needs extra paper, they can take some from the front desk.

3. Business & Professional Writing Examples (15 Sentences)

┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                   PROFESSIONAL EMAIL SAMPLE                            │
├────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ To: department-leads@company.org                                       │
│ Subject: Annual Review Protocol                                        │
│                                                                        │
│ Team,                                                                  │
│ When an employee completes their self-evaluation, their direct         │
│ manager should schedule a review session with them promptly.           │
│ Please confirm each team member has access to their dashboard.         │
└────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

31. Each applicant must upload their updated résumé in PDF format.
32. The auditor requested that the finance manager supply their quarterly ledger.
33. When an employee resigns, they must return all company property.
34. If a stakeholder requests revisions, send them the updated brief.
35. The new project manager will introduce themselves at Monday’s standup.
36. Every contractor must submit their invoice by the 25th of the month.
37. A user cannot reset an account unless they verify their phone number.
38. The director asked each department head to bring their budget forecast.
39. If an executive misses the town hall, they can watch the recorded stream.
40. The ideal candidate will bring their expertise in data modeling to the team.
41. If a client registers a dispute, listen to them before offering alternatives.
42. A software engineer must test their code locally before pushing it to production.
43. If an analyst discovers an error, they should notify quality assurance.
44. The consultant delivered their assessment ahead of schedule.
45. A manager should ensure their team takes adequate vacation time.

4. Academic & Research Writing Examples (12 Sentences)

46. Each respondent indicated their level of agreement using a 5-point Likert scale.
47. When a participant finished the survey, they received a compensation voucher.
48. The researcher must ensure that the subject gives their informed consent.
49. If an undergraduate changes majors, they must speak with an academic advisor.
50. Every scholar in the seminar presented their peer-reviewed findings.
51. A historian must evaluate their primary sources for potential bias.
52. When an author publishes a monograph, they retain intellectual property rights.
53. The survey subject answered that they had never experienced the symptom.
54. A student who misses a lab must make their request in writing within 48 hours.
55. If a peer reviewer spots methodological flaws, they will reject the manuscript.
56. Each patient described their pain levels during the clinical intake trial.
57. The principal investigator confirmed that they received the ethics clearance.

5. Known Nonbinary Individuals (10 Sentences)

58. Sam is delivering their presentation on renewable energy at 2:00 PM.
59. Taylor said they would prefer to take the train rather than drive.
60. Jordan submitted the report after they finalized the research section.
61. Casey bought themself a new camera to celebrate the promotion.
62. Avery mentioned that they are moving to Chicago next spring.
63. Morgan called to say that their flight was delayed by two hours.
64. Rowan designed the book cover themself using vector graphics.
65. Jamie asked if they could borrow the conference room for an interview.
66. Riley is preparing for their board certification examination.
67. Peyton loves their new job as an environmental policy analyst.

6. ESL & Student-Focused Simplification Examples (10 Sentences)

68. Simple: Look at that bird watcher. They have very strong binoculars.
69. Simple: Call the doctor and ask them for your prescription refill.
70. Simple: If a student is sick, they should stay home.
71. Simple: The mystery caller did not leave their telephone number.
72. Simple: A good friend listens when they know you are having a hard day.
73. Simple: Tell the cashier that they gave you incorrect change.
74. Simple: If someone loses a wallet, they should check the front office.
75. Simple: The postal worker dropped off the mail before they left for lunch.
76. Simple: If a passenger drops a bag, hand it back to them.
77. Simple: Every child smiled when they saw the therapy dog enter the classroom.

Incorrect vs. Correct Usage Examples

Review this comparison table to identify and fix common errors involving the singular they:

4 Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. The “They Is” Error

Because you are referring to a single individual, it can be tempting to pair the pronoun with a singular verb (e.g., they is, they does, they was). Resist this instinct. Always use the plural verb:

• They are an expert. (Not: They is an expert.)
• They were late. (Not: They was late.)

2. Clunky “He/She” Slashes

Writers often resort to he/she, s/he, or he or she out of a misplaced fear of breaking traditional grammar rules. Style guides now explicitly advise against slash constructions because they look messy and exclude nonbinary individuals.

• Avoid: The user must input his/her pin.
• Use: The user must input their PIN.

3. Vague Pronoun Referents

When sentences contain two people and a singular “they”, the meaning can blur:

• Ambiguous: Marcus met with Dr. Adams, and they recommended surgery. (Who recommended surgery?)
• Clear: During their meeting, Dr. Adams recommended that Marcus undergo surgery.

4. Inventing Nonexistent Forms

Forms like theirselves or themselfs do not exist in English. Stick to themselves for standard and academic writing, or themself when writing informally about a specific person.

Quick Memory Tricks

To remember how to use the singular “they” naturally, use these two easy rules of thumb:

1. The “YOU” Parallel:
   Treat “they” the exact same way you treat “you.”
   • “You are an accountant.” (One person = plural verb)
   • “They are an accountant.” (One person = plural verb)
2. The “Lost Wallet” Test:
   If you found a wallet on the street, you would never say, “Someone dropped his or her wallet; I hope he or she finds it.” You would say, “Someone dropped their wallet; I hope they find it.” Trust your natural conversational instincts!

Practice Exercises

Test your understanding with these practice sentences. Rewrite each sentence to fix outdated phrasing, correct verb agreement errors, or resolve ambiguity.

Exercise A: Sentence Rewrites

1. Every doctor should listen carefully to his patients.
2. Alex called to say that they is stuck in highway traffic.
3. If a visitor enters the laboratory, he or she must wear goggles.
4. Someone left his coffee mug on top of the photocopier.
5. Jordan organized the entire charity gala all by theirselves.

Answers & Explanations for Exercise A

1. Revised: Every doctor should listen carefully to their patients.
   Explanation: Replaced outdated generic masculine pronoun with “their.”
2. Revised: Alex called to say that they are stuck in highway traffic.
   Explanation: Corrected verb agreement from singular “is” to plural “are.”
3. Revised: If a visitor enters the laboratory, they must wear goggles.
   Explanation: Replaced awkward “he or she” with the cleaner singular “they.”
4. Revised: Someone left their coffee mug on top of the photocopier.
   Explanation: “Someone” is gender-neutral; “their” correctly reflects that neutrality.
5. Revised: Jordan organized the entire charity gala all by themselves (or themself).
   Explanation: Corrected the nonexistent non-standard word “theirselves.”

5-Question Quiz

Test your mastery of the rules covered in this guide.

Question 1

Which of the following sentences has correct subject-verb agreement?

• A) The client called because they was confused about the contract.
• B) The client called because they were confused about the contract.
• C) The client called because they is confused about the contract.
• D) The client called because they be confused about the contract.

Question 2

What is the AP and APA style stance on writing “he or she” versus the singular “they”?

• A) “He or she” is mandatory in all formal documents.
• B) Style guides ban both words entirely.
• C) Singular “they” is preferred over clumsy formulations like “he or she.”
• D) Singular “they” is only permitted in spoken dialogue.

Question 3

Fill in the blank: Someone left __________ headlights on in the parking garage.

• A) their
• B) his or her
• C) its
• D) they’re

Question 4

When referring to a known individual who uses they/them pronouns, which reflexive pronoun is acceptable in standard formal writing?

• A) Theirselves
• B) Themselves
• C) Themselfs
• D) Thems

Question 5

Why does the singular “they” take a plural verb like are or were?

• A) Because the person secretly represents a group.
• B) Because English grammatical agreement rules follow the pronoun’s form, not the count of people, matching the historical evolution of “you.”
• C) It is a typographical error that became permanent.
• D) The verbs are and were are actually singular.

Answer Key with Explanations

1. B — Even when referring to a single individual, they always takes the plural verb form (they were).
2. C — Major modern style authorities discourage “he or she” and “s/he,” advising writers to use the natural singular they instead.
3. A — “Their” is the most natural, efficient, and standard possessive pronoun when the gender of the individual is unknown.
4. B — “Themselves” is the universally accepted reflexive pronoun across all academic, news, and publishing manuals.
5. B — Like the pronoun “you” (which takes plural verbs whether singular or plural), “they” uses plural verb agreement due to grammatical form.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is singular “they” grammatically correct?

Yes. Every major dictionary (Merriam-Webster, Oxford, Cambridge) and academic style guide (APA, MLA, Chicago) recognizes the singular “they” as standard English grammar. It has been used continuously in English literature since the late 14th century.

Should I write “they is” or “they are” when referring to one person?

Always write “they are.” Just like the pronoun “you” uses “you are” whether speaking to one person or an auditorium, the pronoun “they” always takes plural verb conjugation regardless of how many people it represents.

Is “themself” a real word?

Yes, “themself” is an English word dating back to the 1400s. While it is gaining acceptance when identifying a specific individual (“Jordan did it themself”), standard formal writing and style guides still prefer themselves for editorial safety.

How do I avoid using singular “they” if my company style forbids it?

If your editor or company guidelines prohibit the singular “they”, the cleanest solution is to pluralize your nouns:

• Instead of: “A student must submit their paper…”
• Write: “Students must submit their papers…”

Can I use singular “they” in academic research papers?

Yes. APA 7th Edition, MLA 9th Edition, and Chicago 17th Edition all recommend the singular “they” to avoid gender bias and respect nonbinary identities. Always consult your syllabus or journal guidelines for specific preferences.

Conclusion

Understanding the singular they grammar rules with examples gives you the tools to write clear, modern, and inclusive prose. Remember the three core takeaways:

1. Always use plural verb forms (they are, they were).
2. Use they to replace clumsy slashes like he/she.
3. Keep antecedents distinct so your readers always know who you are discussing.

Whether drafting a college essay, a client email, or an executive summary, the singular “they” is a natural, historically sound, and standard component of the English language.

Also read: Between You and I vs Between You and Me: The Rule

Business Countable or Uncountable Noun? Full Guide

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