I think it's a dump question. do you guys use "are" or "is" for they/them?
For example, is this okay to say:"They are good" or "They is good"?
Using they/them
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Heather
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Re: Using they/them
Hey, mika.
The way they is used in English as a collective and a singular noun, either of those verb tenses would be technically correct, but I'd say that it's more common to use "are" in that example than "is."
The way they is used in English as a collective and a singular noun, either of those verb tenses would be technically correct, but I'd say that it's more common to use "are" in that example than "is."
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. - Margaret Mead
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mika.m
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Re: Using they/them
So, in what example is more common to use are than is?
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Heather
- scarleteen founder & director
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Re: Using they/them
Again, I would say "are" in the example you gave is what is more common.
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. - Margaret Mead
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GenderGay
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Re: Using they/them
From a formal gramatical standpoint, “is” would be the proper word to use in theory, but un reality, we use “are” because “they is” just sounds wrong.
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bluespreadsheet
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Re: Using they/them
I've thought a lot about this for years. People always say "are they" and "they're" and "they visit" (when singular would be "they visits). The exception to this is that the word "themself" has slowly been being popularized.
Personally, I prefer people to refer to me as they/them singular (is they, they's, they visits) because even though it sounds weird I do it rebelliously. Like, I don't want to use neopronouns, but I still want to be annoying to people who aren't eager to accept pronouns. I'm definitely the exception, though.
Personally, I prefer people to refer to me as they/them singular (is they, they's, they visits) because even though it sounds weird I do it rebelliously. Like, I don't want to use neopronouns, but I still want to be annoying to people who aren't eager to accept pronouns. I'm definitely the exception, though.