"They" is always plural.

Use "he," "she," or "one."

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When a man leaves his darkness, he follows the Son.

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"Linguistic evolution" does not give you a blank check to use incorrect grammar.

"They" is always plural.  

Use "he," "she," or "one."

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It allows us to informally say "you," doesn't it? And it also allows us to drop the word "that."

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It has to be something that is generally useful and must be accepted over time and become gradually integrated into verbal and written discourse.

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When a man leaves his darkness, he follows the Son.

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What I'm saying is that linguistic evolution by itself is not a reason to use incorrect grammar.  

It has to be something that is generally useful and must be accepted over time and become gradually integrated into verbal and written discourse.

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It is generally useful, otherwise it wouldn't be in linguistic evolution. Evolution (in languages) simplifies things. People don't just decide on it, then integrate it. It just happens. Once you see it happen, it really can't be stopped (aside from drastic measures). Also, it already is in common usage. Children have it in their minds as "correct." It's how they've been taught. It's in your head, also. Imagine this conversation.

Me: They stole my bike!
You: Who did?
Me: That person in the green mask!

Now, aside from how non-quotidian that conversation is, you have undoubtedly had some sort of conversation just like it. People use "they" to hide gender, or if they simply do not know the gender.

Also, as I have said before, some English professors do accept it. I daresay someone with a doctorate in English qualifies as one who may accept it.

Finally, I'm not saying it should replace one. It doesn't replace it. It can't replace it. It's simply illogical. You don't say, "One's test says, 'The cows are blue.'" You say, "His/her/their test says, 'The cows are blue.'"

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We say plenty of things verbally that are not grammatically correct, and unless you were using quotations to refer to a spoken dialogue, I would not consider using "they" in that context syntactically correct in an academic paper.

Post edited at 9:02 pm on Oct. 26, 2006 by penguincube

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That speech is conversational vernacular, though, Spasty.

We say plenty of things verbally that are not grammatically correct, and unless you were using quotations to refer to a spoken dialogue, I would not consider using "they" in that context syntactically correct in an academic paper.

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That may be true, but some people do accept it as proper.

The real difference is just who your talking to. In 10-20 years, however, I feel that this will be acceptable grammar in all places.

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You, at your current age, acceped "they" in this form.  You go on to earn a Doctorate in modern language.

Does this automatically make it correct, now?  I fail to see the legitimacy of your argument that "some" people some of whom have Doctorates (who these people are, I don't even know, but I'll take your word) suddenly changes the established rules of grammar.

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Classified.

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Let's assume for a moment that nobody with a Doctorate in any language-related field accepted "they" as a singular pronoun.

You, at your current age, acceped "they" in this form.  You go on to earn a Doctorate in modern language.

Does this automatically make it correct, now?  I fail to see the legitimacy of your argument that "some" people some of whom have Doctorates (who these people are, I don't even know, but I'll take your word) suddenly changes the established rules of grammar.

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I have met people with doctorate degrees in English that accept it.

Honestly, yes. We don't have something like l'Acadamie Française (that I know of) that regulates all grammar, as the French do. We must go by what the people with such degrees say. Sure, if one says something, it doesn't necessarily make it fact, but if a bunch agree, then yeah, sure.
Then again, I have a strong belief that the elderly may make things up after ~70 years, and it is automatically fact (as long as it's not something that goes against nature). For example, if they say desks are really called "blicks," then, in my mind, there's no arguing that.

Elderly and highly learned people are placed very highly (in my mind), and have the authority to do such things.

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At some point in time, this may indeed come true.  I am just contesting the fact that it is the case now.

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Classified.

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I haven't seen any scholarly journals document that "a bunch of doctors" think that they is singular.

At some point in time, this may indeed come true.  I am just contesting the fact that it is the case now.

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I actually have seen some sort of journal about that. Either way, I haven't a clue where, and I can't be bothered to find it. I'm way too sick to think straight.

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Night spasty.  Feel better.

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It fills a little hole in the language to use "they" in that fashion. Granted, it is improper use, but the reasoning behind it is sound.

In everyday conversation it is a way to refer to a gender non-specific hypothetical person without excessive formality. Behold!

Formal:

"If one was to punch a gorilla it is likely that one would soon become sad."

Casual:

"If someone punched a gorilla, they'd totally get their shit kicked in."

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Indeed. I avoid writing "they" at all costs if I am talking in the singular, replacing it with "one" or inclusing both the gender singular forms.

In conventional conversation it's just easier to say "they".

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wozq 91.9 fm northampton
déjame que te cierre esta noche los ojos
y mañana vendré con un cigarro a la cama.

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I was under the impression that gender-neutral singular defaulted to either "he" or "he/she."

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"I was talking to him/her, but I couldn't tell his/her gender."

It could also be offensive if you're hiding gender.

"His grade was an F."
"I'm not a male!"

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