WordGarden.iothey
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /ðˈeɪ/
US
- /ˈðeɪ/
Meanings
Pronoun
used to refer to two or more people, animals, or things
used to refer to one person when the person's gender is unknown, irrelevant, or unspecified
used by or for a nonbinary person as a personal pronoun
Beyond the definition
"They" is most often a third-person plural pronoun. It refers to two or more people, animals, or things. For example: "My friends are coming over; they will be here soon." It is also often used for one person when that person's gender is unknown, not important, or when that person uses "they" as a personal pronoun. For example: "I heard from Alex; they are doing well." In this singular use, English still uses plural verb forms, so we say "they are," not "they is."
"They" is a pronoun with two main uses in modern English. First, it is the usual third-person plural pronoun. In this use, it refers to more than one person, animal, or thing: "The students finished their exams; they were relieved." This is the basic use that learners meet early on.
Second, "they" is also used for one person. This singular use appears when the person's gender is unknown, when the gender does not matter, or when the person chooses "they" as their pronoun. For example: "Someone left their umbrella behind," or "Jordan said they will arrive later." This use is common in everyday English and is accepted in careful, standard writing as well.
Even when it refers to one person, "they" still takes plural verb forms. We say "they are" and "they have," not "they is" or "they has." This is important for learners because the meaning may be singular, but the grammar of the verb stays plural.
Overall, "they" is a flexible and important word. It can point to a group, or to one person in a gender-neutral way. Because of that, it is useful both in ordinary conversation and in polite, respectful communication.
Examples
- 1
Known people
Mia and Lucas are coming later, but they might be a little late.
- 2
Recognizing people
I didn’t recognize your friends at first because they were wearing hats.
- 3
Family
My grandparents live by the sea, and they still swim every morning.
- 4
Unknown visitors
“Who’s at the door?” “I think they’re here for the package.”
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
School policy
If a student needs extra time, they can talk to the teacher after class.
- Grammar
they can refer to one person in general
- 6
Unknown person
Someone left their phone on the table, so they’ll probably come back for it.
- 7
Dietary preference
Alex said they don’t eat meat, so let’s choose another restaurant.
- Grammar
they can be used for one person
- 8
Unknown caller
I asked the caller to wait, but they hung up.
- 9
Public opinion
They say this cafe has the best bread in town.
- Phrasethey say
people in general say
- 10
Unclear request
I don’t know exactly what they want, but they sound upset.
- 11
Police statement
The police said they were looking into the complaint.
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- theypronoun