How do you counter the "(im)proper grammar" argument when it comes to they/them pronouns? My mom and ESPECIALLY my stepdad always revert to that if I keep correcting them when using the wrong ones and it's incredibly frustrating and hurtful. I say people use they singularly all the time, language is always changing, but it's when someone points it out that it bothers you. And that if they gave it time it would feel as normal as the old ones do. Idk what else to say to counter it. Any ideas/tips?
Well, youâre absolutely right! Singular âtheyâ is in use a lot! And language really is always changing. I donât have a link to the post, but thereâs a great example of an old century rant on the use of singular âyouâ instead of thee or something, and look at us now.Â
However, since your family seems so resistant to the idea, I doubt a lack of âproofâ is really the issue here. You could probably present them with a five page research essay on the use of they/them pronouns and theyâd still argue. Honestly, my advice is just to keep doing what youâre doing. Keep reminding them, correcting them, and one day itâll sink in for them, you know? Iâm sorry I canât be more helpful, but Iâm afraid weâll always encounter people who are resistant to the idea. Not everyone thinks the same, though. Youâll find people who understand.
My brother also brought up this argument. He is excepting but just thinks it[âs odd grammatically to use the singular âtheyâ.Â
lol i just realize that being half asleep i said excepting instead of accepting. boy, you would never guess english is my first/only language
