His vs. Their

Attribute	His	Their
Possessive pronoun	Belongs to one person	Belongs to more than one person
Usage	Refers to a single male person	Refers to a group of people
Gender	Specifically masculine	Neutral
Plural form	N/A	Their

Introduction

When it comes to possessive pronouns, "his" and "their" are two commonly used options in the English language. While both words indicate ownership or possession, they are used in different contexts and have distinct attributes that set them apart. In this article, we will explore the similarities and differences between "his" and "their" to help you understand when to use each one correctly.

Usage

The pronoun "his" is singular and is used to indicate possession by a male individual. For example, "That is his car" or "I borrowed his book." On the other hand, the pronoun "their" is plural and is used to indicate possession by a group of people. For example, "That is their house" or "I saw their dog at the park." It is important to note that "their" can also be used as a gender-neutral singular pronoun when the gender of the individual is unknown or irrelevant.

Clarity

Using "his" can sometimes lead to ambiguity, especially when the gender of the individual is not specified. In such cases, using "their" as a gender-neutral pronoun can help avoid confusion and ensure clarity in communication. For example, instead of saying "Each student should bring his textbook," you can say "Each student should bring their textbook" to include all genders and make the statement more inclusive.

Formality

While both "his" and "their" are grammatically correct, the choice between the two can also depend on the formality of the context. "His" is often considered more formal and traditional, especially when referring to possession by a single male individual. On the other hand, "their" is more modern and inclusive, making it a preferred choice in informal or gender-neutral settings. It is important to consider the tone and audience when deciding which pronoun to use in your writing or speech.

Agreement

Another important aspect to consider when using "his" and "their" is subject-verb agreement. Since "his" is singular, it should be followed by a singular verb. For example, "He forgot his keys" uses the singular verb "forgot" to match the singular pronoun "his." On the other hand, "their" is plural and should be followed by a plural verb. For example, "They forgot their keys" uses the plural verb "forgot" to match the plural pronoun "their."

Ownership

When it comes to indicating ownership, "his" is more specific and personal, referring to possession by a particular individual. This can create a sense of intimacy or closeness in the relationship between the owner and the object. On the other hand, "their" is more general and collective, indicating possession by a group of people. This can convey a sense of shared responsibility or belonging among the owners.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the choice between "his" and "their" depends on the context, clarity, formality, agreement, and ownership of the possession being indicated. While both pronouns serve the purpose of indicating possession, they have distinct attributes that make them suitable for different situations. By understanding the similarities and differences between "his" and "their," you can use these pronouns effectively in your writing and communication to convey your intended meaning accurately.