play video his or her
Usage Notes

Is Singular 'They' a Better Choice?

The awkward case of 'his or her'


"Everyone should do his or her best in whatever situations he or she happens to find himself or herself in?" That's awkward. Perhaps everyone should just do their best in the situations they find themselves in. Even if their best involves they as a singular pronoun.

Up next

play video his or her
Is Singular 'They' a Better Choice?

 

The awkward case of 'his or her'

play video healthy vs healthful
Healthy vs. Healthful

 

Why both words are equally good for you.

play video affect vs effect
Affect vs. Effect

 

Here's the lowdown on what may be the most confusing pair of words in the English language.

play video cynic
The History of 'Cynic'

 

How an ancient philosophical movement devoted to the pursuit of virtue came to describe eye-rolling criticism.

play alt-5db61f2bd1cc5
How Do You Pronounce 'Groceries'?

 

Is there one standard way?

play hot mess
Hot Mess

 

Our research turned up two archaic literal meanings

play hanger-hangar-illustrations
Is It 'Hanger' or 'Hangar'?

 

How to remember which is which