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 serenity carr next to an illustration of a refrigerator with the letter d in it
Why is there a 'd' in 'fridge' but not in 'refrigerator'?

 

Thawing one of the mysteries of English

play mrs malaprop
What is a malaprop?

 

We'll tell you all the perpendiculars

play video websters video of 1864
Webster's Dictionary of 1864

 

The landmark edition that transformed the way dictionaries are made.

play further vs farther video
Further vs. Farther

 

They started as same word, but their meanings have drifted apart over time.

play video its vs its
Its vs. It's

 

Some practical guidance, and interesting history, about a common mistake.

play video healthy vs healthful
Healthy vs. Healthful

 

Why both words are equally good for you.