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'

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How to Remember 'Affect' and 'Effect'

 

A simple way to keep them apart. (Most of the time.)

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The Serial Comma Explained

 

Why don't they call it the Merriam-Webster comma?

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.

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Further vs. Farther

 

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

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Video: Why is there a 'c' in 'indict'?

 

And who put it there, anyway?

play ismo merriam webster one
Some Odd Words with ISMO: "The One-derful Won"

 

Comedian ISMO tries to figure out 'one' and 'two'