Amy Devitt
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Thoughts on genre, language, grammar, and other
rhetorical and linguistic norms

They Is Smart

4/9/2017

20 Comments

 
​
​Last week, the AP Style Guide announced that it would advise using "they" for an individual if the person did not want to be identified as "he" or "she." In my blog, I explored the reasons we need that singular “they,” and I argued that we should just use “they” to refer to everybody, for reasons of equity and social justice. Why should someone be pointed out as different for not wanting to be labeled as “he” or “she”? Let’s all be “they”

"When Alex walks down the street, they can turn heads."
​"Tell your brother to pick up their toys."

 
I want to follow up this week with a couple of issues I didn’t have space for last week.

  • Does genre have anything to do with this?
 
  • If we use “they” as singular pronoun, shouldn’t we use a singular verb to agree with it?
            Alex is coming to the party. They is bringing a friend.
 
Sure. Why not? Let's go all the way.
 
@icowrich raised the question on Twitter in response to my post:

@AmyDevitt1 If it's a singular, shouldn't we follow it with a singular verb? "They is coming to dinner," instead of "they are..." Can we get that going?

— suᴉʞdɯᴉS pɹɐɥɔᴉR (@icowrich) April 9, 2017
OK, OK, this one might sound weird, too. If you’ve been trained to Standard English dialects, you’ve been taught subject-verb agreement. Singular nouns and pronouns take singular verbs; plural nouns and pronouns take plural verbs. So does singular “they,” referring to Alex or Amy, go with singular “is” and “was”? or with traditional plural “are” and “were”?
 
It’s an interesting issue, at least to  @icowrich and me, worth exploring a little bit.
 
But I don’t want to bore you with a long grammar lesson or explanation of prescriptive rules versus descriptive rules or even the hegemonic power of Standard English. It’s tempting because I love all those topics, but I won’t do it to you. Not this time anyway.
 
Instead, let me just make some comparisons.
 
Mixing singular and plural is pretty common in most people’s speech and even writing:
 
“The analysis of all the results from five experiments support that claim.”
 

And one common expression mixing singular and plural even sounds a lot like “They is” (and is often pronounced that way):
 
 “There’s two kinds of people in this world.”
 “There’s lots of reasons we shouldn’t go to that party.”
 

So maybe it won’t sound so weird after all:
 
“Sam volunteers at the homeless shelter. They’s someone I really admire.”
 
Some varieties of English already match plural “they” with a singular verb:
 
“they wasn’t satisfied unless I picked the cotton myself” (Kanye West line in New Slaves)
“They is treatin’ us good.” (Dave Chappelle Terrorists on the Plane routine)
"They wasn't ready." ​(Bri BGC17 commenting on Oxygen Bad Girls Club experience)
 
So why not singular “they” with a singular verb?
 
“They wasn’t going to the party alone.”
 
Using singular verbs when we’re using “they” to refer to one person might not be so weird after all.
 
We have the same issue in some ways with singular “you.” Standard English varieties tend to use a plural verb even with singular “you.” So “you are a fine person,” not “you is a fine person.”
 
Except lots of varieties and lots of speakers do use “you is.”
 
Here’s a powerful one from Kathryn Stockett’s novel and then film of The Help 
"You is smart, you is kind, you is important."

 And an old classic, released in 1944 by Louis Jordan, “Is you is or is you ain’t my baby?”
(or maybe you'd recognize instead Chance the Rapper's echoing line in All Night "is you is or is you ain't got gas money") 

According to my resident language historian, when “you” first began to be used as the singular more commonly than “thou,” many people commonly used singular verbs, “you was” and “you is.” Language authorities, snobs, and prescribers on the rise at around the same time labeled “you is” as wrong. But even the authority and dictionary writer Noah Webster defended the use of singular verbs with singular “you.” It makes sense.
 
Using singular verbs with singular "they" makes sense to me. But will that happen? Language change doesn’t always make sense in a conventional predictable way. If it did, we wouldn’t use “himself”:
 
My story, myself
Your story, yourself
Her story, herself
His story, hisself
—oh no, wait, for some reason standard varieties prescribe “himself.” That doesn't follow the pattern
 
And we would use “amn’t”:
He is, isn’t he?
You are, aren’t you?
I am, amn’t I?
–oh no, wait, standard varieties prescribe “aren’t I” and even proscribe "ain't I," which is closer to "amn't" in some ways.  It's not predictable.
 
So language doesn’t always follow conventionally logical paths—either what we commonly say or what standard varieties prescribe. Language change isn't predictable.
 
If we did all start using “they” as the sole singular pronoun for people—no “he” or “she”—would we start using singular verbs, too? Maybe some would and some wouldn’t, depending on the complexities of who they are and where they are. I suspect that would be true for using "they" as the sole singular, too.
 
My guess is that it would vary by genre as well as by dialect, by the kind of writing and speaking going on. More formal and written genres tend to be more conservative, so the usual plural verb with “they” might stick around a long time in school themes and academic papers, in business writing and traditional journalism. But more informal spoken genres might change more quickly, maybe starting with varieties that already use plural “they is” or singular “you is.”
 
On the other hand, the push for gender-neutral pronouns has perhaps been strongest on college campuses and in civil rights organizations. Academics and feminists were first to push against using “he” as if it referred to everyone. So maybe using the singular “they” for everyone will spread as an issue of diversity and inclusion. And maybe using the singular verb to go along with it would come next. 

If we did use singular verbs with singular “they,” it would help with ambiguity. Even though context usually makes most potentially ambiguous sentences clear, the singular verb might help you know which one I meant when I wrote,
            “Alex and the dancers are all going to the party tonight, but they is going to be late.”
 
But language change isn’t predictable. Language changes slowly. It changes more quickly in some genres than others, in speech than in writing.  And it changes when people use it differently, not when rulebooks prescribe it differently--probably  not even when I declare it should be so.
 
So should we follow singular “they” with a singular verb? I'd vote for it. There’s precedent for both “they are” and “they is” in people's usage. There's conservative power behind the standard variety's plural "they are," but if the AP Style Guide can change to allowing singular "they," even conservators of tradition can adapt to changing times. Which one wins out depends in part on which one catches on. 
 
I like the consistency of the singular pronoun bringing along its singular verb. Let’s go all the way with equity and inclusion. So sure, @icowrich, let's get that going.
 
We might start getting used to it by using it in spoken but important genres--maybe in a catchy and powerful message that would spread. So think about someone who matters to you and repeat after me:
 
They is smart.
They is kind.
They is important.


After all, even weirder verb combinations have gone viral in memes. If a cat can has cheezburger, a singular they can has one, too.

Edited: Chatting with my linguist friends Anne, Peter, and Jim gave me a new way to talk about this topic. The form of the verb "are" ("They are") might be plural, but in the context of a singular "they" the verb would have singular meaning, too. We do that with "you."  You are a good friend, Sue. The "are" is singular just as the "you" is. So if we do start using "they" as the sole singular pronoun, we wouldn't have to change the form of the verb to make it singular. It would already be heard as singular.

We are creative and flexible in using language. What a wonderful thing! 
Cat glowing red eyes I CAN HAS SINGULARITY
Jamais Cascio, I Can Has Singularity, flickr, CC License 2.0
20 Comments
Brad Smith link
11/15/2019 02:51:46 pm

I stumbled across this essay. I agree that the singular use of THEY should take a singular verb. After all, the word is simply a replacement for he or she. The plural verb only adds confusion.

Example: They are standing across the street

Is that a single person being referenced or more than one person?

Better to write: They *is* standing across the street for the singular, and *are* for the plural.. Nice and clear.

I disagree that the use of "you are" justifies the use of "they are." The word "you" tells the audience that the comment is about one specific person, so confusion shouldn't exist. This clarify does not apply to "they are."

I typically don't use they as a singular pronoun. But, when I do, the singular verb is used. It might sound awkward, but this style doesn't require alot of extra words trying to clarify that I'm talking about one person, not more than one.

Thanks for your well written essay. I would be interested to hear your additional thoughts.

Reply
Arjun
7/14/2020 08:18:23 am

I don't think "you" is necessarily always singular either. You do say "you" when talking to a group, though sometimes replaced with "you all/people"

Reply
Amy
11/16/2019 10:08:44 am

Hi Brad,
Thank you for your comment. I'm glad you found my piece.

I'm finding a lot of resistance to using singular verbs with "they," and I can understand why and how awkward it sounds. I'm not sure I get your point about "you," though. "You" does mean either singular or plural, so it doesn't necessarily say that the comment is about one specific person. If I'm talking to a group and I say "I hope you will fill out this survey," I don't mean just one person in the room but all of them. It does leave "you" as ambiguous often, whether I mean just one person or more than one.

I'd be happy to hear more of what you're thinking. Thank you again for leaving a comment. And I'm glad you liked the piece

Reply
Brad Smith
11/16/2019 03:51:38 pm

Hello Amy-

I glad you replied! I wanted to hear your thoughts.

I definitely agree that the singular verb usage sounds awkward. But isn't the same true of using the plural construction, not to mention the confusion? (i.e. Steve and Bill were talking, but Bill walked outside. They are now on the sidewalk. What?? Both are now outside? Only Bill is outside?)

Also, while using the singular does sound awkward, isn't it grammatically accurate when used to replace "he" or "she?" After all, "they" is being used as a 1st person pronoun. (Which is, of course, what you are arguing in your essay).

I think the awkwardness of using "they is" would lessen--and even be accepted--if it were used more. It sounds awkward, but it has a precise meaning--one. The same can't be said for "they are." While the increased usage of "they are" will likely decrease its awkwardness, the construction still retains two meanings--singular and plural. We can certainly use context to distinguish the two, but I don't think most writers or speakers are precise enough to elimate this confusion (I think this point is especially true in speech). And this confusion, even if momentary, gets in the way of good writing. To me, good writing flows without effort on the the part of the reader, so the reader shouldn't need to read excess words to place the "they are" in context nor need to be momentarily confused regarding whether the writer meant singular or plural.

I understand that the English language changes and that exceptions to the rules are normal. I certainly don't object to the use of "they" as a replacement for "he" and "she." But, I'm having a hard time using the plural to represent a singular use of "they" because of the confusion created.

Let me explain my experience a bit. I worked for the government in California (Social Services). I write reports and read reports. We have many members of the LGBTQ as employees. Many of us are starting to use 'they' as an alternate pronoun. The problem, as I mentioned earlier, is that most folks are neither precise writers nor precise speakers. So, the confusion exists. The writer is often addressing both singular and plural and then drops in the "they are" construction, leading to confusion as to whether the writer is addressing the singular (Jones) or the plural (Jones and Smith). Of course, the problem solver is for people to write more precisely, but that is not reality--at least in my experience.. So, I argue that "they is" and "they are" solves this confusion.. Besides, people are already comfortable saying "he is" or "she is" so "they is" is a logical extention of the construction.

As for my statements about "you," my argument was lacking, but I hope you would still give me a passing grade for effort 😀😀.. Let me expand more.

First, I hadn't thought of "you" in the plural form, so thank you for pointing that out 😀. I have always thought of "you" in the singular form because it addresses the individual. Even when addressed to a group ("You need to turn in your homework"), the word applies to each individually (singular). Anyhow, that is how I have always thought of the word "you." I've never thought about the fact that it can be plural--as I know know. Thank you for that 😀

So, now let me expand on my assertion that the usage of "you are" is different from that of "they are." Whenever one uses the "you are" construction, the reader isn't confused about the meaning, even though the verb is plural. The reader understands that the "you" is directed at the reader. And when an entire group is addressed (You need to turn in your homework), each member of the group understands that the statement is addressed to each and every individual within the group. There is no confusion regarding to whom the statement is directed. I think the reason for the clarity is that the word "you" is an individual term regardless that a plural verb is attached.. I think of the "you are" construction as a singular word connected to a plural verb. There is no confusion when directed to a single person or a group. The statement "You are going to take a test next week" is understood by a single person to mean that the person is going to take the test, or, when directed to a group, every individual person within the group will take the test.

Of course, the coach of a competitive team might say "You are not playing well tonight." But even in this example, the "you" is directed to the team as one.

The construction "they are" is is a plural verb attached to either a singlular or plural subject. It requires (usually) context to understand whether the writer meant one person or a group and often the context doesn't exist or the construction is used in an ambiguous way. "They are" does not work as neatly as "you are."

Now, let me say that I might be completely wrong about my analysis of "you are." I'm neither a professor nor writing professional (Applied Economics major). I would love to h

Reply
Brad Smith
11/16/2019 05:32:23 pm

Sorry, my sentence was cut-off. I was ending by stating that I would love to hear your additional thoughts about my assertions now that I've expanded a little more, provided you have the time. And, of course, if you have any general comments about my writing, feel free to comment. I'm always open to feedback and have often changed my views. As I said, I'm not a professional writer. I learned to write by studying the Gregg's Reference Manual (still do) and by working with a friendly English professor, who took an interest in my writing and worked with me individually.

-Brad

Amy
12/9/2019 11:51:51 am

Thanks for expanding your comment, Brad. I'm sorry it took me a while to reply.
You are making sound points (and expressing them clearly, of course). One thing I would add is that language includes lots of potentially ambiguous constructions, including the potential ambiguity of who a pronoun refers to in a specific sentence. One of the writer's tasks is to notice the potential ambiguity and rewrite to clarify, even if that isn't always easy to do.

Thank you again for taking the time to share your thoughts more fully. You definitely get a passing grade ;)

Brad Smith
12/9/2019 12:05:18 pm

Hi Amy-

Thanks for your comments. I enjoyed speaking to you. And I'm glad I received a passing grade :) I'd like to add that I very much enjoyed reading your essay "5 Things to Do After a Shooting." Excellent! The level of gun violence in the USA (my home) is disgraceful, and our gun industry is sickening. As you say, we need far fewer "thoughts and prayers" and more--much more--action. Excellent essay!

Thanks, Brad

Reply
Amy
12/9/2019 12:09:24 pm

Thanks, Brad! It's always helpful to learn which essays particular readers enjoy. I appreciate the feedback.

Thank you

Reply
Brad Smith
12/9/2019 12:42:58 pm

You're welcome. Take care!

Brad

Reply
Kerry
1/2/2020 01:18:56 am

I'm going to use singular verbs with singular they. Just because singular you was made needlessly irregular that's no excuse to do it to they!

Reply
Brad Smith
1/2/2020 01:22:32 pm

I agree. The construction "they are" already has a well-established meaning that all of us easily understand--more than one. The singular version just adds unnecessary ambiguity. And most writers are not precise enough to clear up the confusion.

I understand that the "you are" is plural, but I don't find that argument very persuasive. Actually, so what? The singular "they" is just making it's way into everyday writing, so let's simply agree to use the singular verb and not add unnecessary confusion. Singular "they" is used as a replacement for "he is" or "she is" so why not "they is?" If singular "they are" is the future, then why not allow folks to write "He ARE going to the store?"

You might be interested to know that things have become interesting at my office since I first wrote my response. Few here are using the singular "They are" but are, instead, using "Xe" to be gender neutral. "He is," "She is," "Xe is." I prefer this construction as well.

We've also seen additional discussion about "They are" being used only when refering to non-binary folks. And some ladies have objected to "she" not being used because it erases their gender.

This usage of singular "they" is going to be interesting to watch!

Reply
Amy
1/2/2020 03:22:06 pm

I love that you’re all continuing the discussion
I agree that the recognition that gender isn’t binary gives language more to include. But language has always accommodated change eventually. We just can’t predict how

Reply
Brad Smith
1/3/2020 11:40:57 am

Happy New Year Amy!

Indeed! These changes make language so interesting (at least to me).

Brad

Amy
4/9/2021 05:03:12 pm

I had to delete a comment that used a slur. If the author would like to repost without the insulting term, I'd be happy to have differing opinions in the comments

Reply
H
9/5/2021 05:29:34 am

I understand the impulse, but I don't think it's going to happen, simply because it sounds awkward and isn't necessary.

In well-written text, there should be no confusion about what is meant by they, like there should be no confusion about who is included in you or we.

I'm going to stick to plural verbs; there's grammatical precedent and it just reads far smoother.

Reply
Amy
9/6/2021 11:16:23 am

Hi, H. I certainly agree that using a singular verb with "they" sounds awkward. We're not at all used to it, though we are becoming used to "they" referring to one person. I do think clarifying singular or plural can require some cumbersome rewriting at times. I, too, am much more comfortable using plural verbs with "they." But language changes in its own ways over time, following its own logic, and what sounds awkward now might become common and less awkward. We can't predict what language changes will become the norm. But for now, I haven't seen anyone much using singular verbs with "they," so your preference is safe. And fine with me!

Reply
G link
7/16/2023 09:58:29 am

I agree with you on the use of "they is." It has taken some getting used to, but I'm fine with using "they" for a known person if that's what the person wants to use. Using "is" in such cases would eliminate confusion for those contexts where it isn't clear whether we're talking about one person or more than one.

Reply
Amy Devitt
7/16/2023 03:43:08 pm

Thanks for the comment, G. I agree that using "is" with "they" would clarify. Maybe that will turn out to be an important enough function that "they is" will become accepted. I don't see any sign of its happening so far. And people are just fine with "you are" even though it's potentially confusing because it can mean one "you" or more than one "you." (That's why "y'all is so handy" ;) It will be fun to keep watching this language change in action!

Reply
Sm9
10/1/2023 12:49:28 am

‘They is’ is weird, the solution is neopronouns. Not all non binary people hate their pronouns being grammatically plural hence the existence of grammatically plural neopronouns such as those derived from they/them. Similarly a neopronoun with a singular pronunciation could be used to refer to people of unknown or unspecified gender, that way it can be grammatically singular.

Reply
Amy Devitt link
10/1/2023 11:39:12 pm

Thanks for commenting, Sm9. I agree that neopronouns are a possible solution. Using a word like "ze" instead of "they" (or "he" or "she") could remove the number problem that seems so "weird" with "they is." Agreed. Various neopronouns have been proposed ("ze" is the one I've seen most often) for years, but they haven't become very commonly used.It's hard to get a new language pattern or habit established by dictate. New forms tend to develop slowly through groups starting to use them for their own purposes. We'll see whether a neopronoun catches on. I appreciate your adding that possibility into the discussion.

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    Author
    ​Amy Devitt

    I'm a genre-lover and language nerd who likes to write about the fascinating effects of genres (like grocery lists, blogs, and greeting cards, as well as mysteries and romances) on how we read and write and even live our lives. I also notice grammar a lot, both the "proper" kind and the fun kind, like grammar jokes.  For more, read my post on "What I Notice." I write this blog weekly to point out what I see and in hopes that you will tell me what you see, too. 

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