She or He vs. They

Attribute	She or He	They
Subject Pronoun	She/He	They
Object Pronoun	Her/Him	Them
Possessive Adjective	Her/His	Their
Possessive Pronoun	Hers/His	Theirs
Reflexive Pronoun	Herself/Himself	Themselves

Gender Pronouns

When referring to an individual, the pronouns "she" or "he" are used to indicate a person's gender identity. These pronouns are typically used when the gender of the individual is known or specified. On the other hand, the pronoun "they" is used as a gender-neutral alternative to "she" or "he." It is commonly used when the gender of the individual is unknown, unspecified, or when referring to a non-binary person.

Subject-Verb Agreement

When using "she" or "he" as pronouns, the corresponding verb form is typically singular. For example, "She is going to the store" or "He likes to read." In contrast, when using "they" as a pronoun, the verb form is plural. For example, "They are going to the store" or "They like to read." This difference in subject-verb agreement is an important distinction between the two sets of pronouns.

Gender Identity

The use of "she" or "he" as pronouns is often tied to a person's gender identity. These pronouns are traditionally associated with binary gender categories of male and female. However, the pronoun "they" is more inclusive and can be used by individuals who do not identify strictly as male or female. It allows for a broader understanding of gender identity and expression.

Respect and Inclusivity

Using the pronouns "she" or "he" to refer to someone without knowing their gender identity can be presumptuous and disrespectful. It is important to ask individuals for their preferred pronouns and to use them accordingly. On the other hand, using the gender-neutral pronoun "they" can help create a more inclusive and respectful environment for all individuals, regardless of their gender identity.

Grammatical Clarity

While some may argue that using "they" as a singular pronoun can lead to confusion or lack of clarity in language, it is important to recognize that language is constantly evolving. The singular "they" has been used in English for centuries and is widely accepted in modern usage. It can help avoid awkward constructions or repetitive use of "he or she" in writing and speech.

Personal Preference

Ultimately, the choice between using "she" or "he" versus "they" as pronouns may come down to personal preference. Some individuals may feel more comfortable with traditional gendered pronouns, while others may prefer the gender-neutral option. It is important to respect and honor individuals' choices regarding their own gender identity and pronoun usage.