use of "them" in place of "him/her"

[stratusfearrr]

In ap english three a few weeks ago, i found out that it is grammatically correct for a writer to use the term "Them" in place of him/her.

Seeing as how "Him/her" always makes a paper awkward, i thought this was pretty neat!

And in this case, "them" refers to only one person:the him or the her.

 

[Rbishop]

how does the use of "him/her" make a paper awkward...?

 

[naliel]

Good, I am starting the new year learning something new :mwave:

 

[stratusfearrr]

The decision of the status quo was left to his/her hands

OR

The decision of the status quo was left in thier hands.


IT is apparent which one sounds better, and flows easier.

 

[Juice]

I think "them" would look more akward then "him/her" but it's good to learn something new. Thanks!

 

[Juice]

Ah "their'' makes more sense

 

[maiasaura]

I despise the use of "them" when referring to a single unspecified person or other gendered creature. When I was working as a book editor, and later in my own writing, I made sure that "them" was only used for more than one entity. There is no reason a person can't maintain his or her grammar skills as the old Chicago Manual of Style would have one do so.

 

[Rbishop]

way over thinking and a useless thought....no wonder "AP" is useless for a paycheck...

 

[livebearerfreak]

LMAO bob says the most randomes things

 

[arachnar]

Hmm I was taught the same thing in ap like use oneself or man(as in a neuter form like in german and other languagues.)