Gender identity and pronouns have become an increasingly important topic in recent years. One of the most common debates is the use of “she/they” versus “she/her” pronouns. So, which one is correct? The answer is both, but each has a specific meaning and usage.
“She/they” is a set of pronouns that some individuals use to indicate that they identify as both female and non-binary. The pronouns “she/her” are used to refer to someone who identifies as female. It’s important to note that pronouns are a matter of personal preference and should always be respected.
In this article, we’ll explore the differences between “she/they” and “she/her” pronouns, their usage, and why it’s essential to use the correct pronouns when referring to someone.
Define She/they
She/they is a set of pronouns that individuals can use to refer to themselves. It is a non-binary way of identifying oneself, which means that the person identifies as neither exclusively male nor female. Instead, they may identify as both, neither, or somewhere in between. The use of she/they pronouns is becoming more common as people are becoming more aware of non-binary gender identities.
Define She/her
She/her is a set of pronouns that individuals can use to refer to themselves. It is a binary way of identifying oneself, which means that the person identifies as female. This is the most common set of pronouns used by women. However, it is important to note that not all individuals who identify as female use she/her pronouns. Some may use he/him, they/them, or other pronouns that feel more comfortable for them.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
When it comes to using pronouns, it’s important to be mindful of how we refer to people. In recent years, the use of gender-neutral pronouns has become more common and it’s important to understand how to use them correctly. In this article, we’ll explore how to use “she/they” and “she/her” in a sentence.
How To Use She/they In A Sentence
The pronouns “she/they” are often used by individuals who identify as both female and non-binary. When using these pronouns, it’s important to remember that both pronouns should be used interchangeably. Here are some examples:
- “She/they went to the store.”
- “I saw her/them at the park.”
- “Is she/they coming to the party?”
It’s important to note that the order of the pronouns can vary, depending on the individual’s preference. Some may prefer “they/she” or “they/them” instead.
How To Use She/her In A Sentence
The pronouns “she/her” are traditionally used to refer to individuals who identify as female. Here are some examples of how to use these pronouns in a sentence:
- “She is going to the concert.”
- “I saw her at the coffee shop.”
- “Is she coming to the meeting?”
It’s important to remember that not all individuals who identify as female use these pronouns. Some may prefer gender-neutral pronouns like “they/them” or “ze/zir.” It’s always best to ask an individual what their preferred pronouns are and use them accordingly.
More Examples Of She/they & She/her Used In Sentences
When it comes to gender pronouns, there are a variety of options to choose from. In this section, we will provide more examples of using she/they and she/her in sentences to help you understand how to use them correctly.
Examples Of Using She/they In A Sentence
- She/they went to the store to buy groceries.
- My friend, who goes by she/they pronouns, is coming over later.
- She/they are a talented artist.
- I’m not sure if she/they will be able to make it to the party.
- She/they said they would be here by 5 pm.
- My boss, who uses she/they pronouns, gave me a promotion.
- She/they are always there to lend a helping hand.
- I asked her/they to pass me the salt.
- She/they are such a great listener.
- My sister, who goes by she/they pronouns, is studying to be a doctor.
Examples Of Using She/her In A Sentence
- She/her is my best friend.
- I’m meeting up with her/her later for coffee.
- She/her is a talented musician.
- I’m not sure if she/her will be able to make it to the concert.
- She/her said she would be here by 7 pm.
- My boss, who uses she/her pronouns, gave me a raise.
- She/her is always there to support me.
- I asked her/her to help me move the couch.
- She/her is such a great cook.
- My sister, who goes by she/her pronouns, is a teacher.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using gender pronouns, it’s important to be mindful of the language we use and the impact it can have on others. One common mistake people make is using she/they and she/her interchangeably without understanding the difference between the two.
Using She/they And She/her Interchangeably
One common mistake is using she/they and she/her interchangeably without understanding the difference between the two. She/they is a gender-neutral pronoun that can be used for individuals who identify as both female and non-binary. She/her is a feminine pronoun that is typically used for individuals who identify as female.
By using these pronouns interchangeably, we can unintentionally misgender someone and invalidate their gender identity. For example, if someone identifies as non-binary and prefers to use she/they pronouns, using she/her exclusively can make them feel excluded and disrespected.
Tips To Avoid Making These Mistakes
To avoid making these mistakes, it’s important to ask people what pronouns they prefer and to use them consistently. If you’re unsure of someone’s pronouns, it’s okay to ask politely. You can say something like, “What pronouns do you prefer?” or “Can you remind me of your pronouns?”
It’s also important to avoid assuming someone’s gender based on their appearance or name. Just because someone presents themselves in a certain way doesn’t mean that they identify as that gender. By being mindful of the language we use and the assumptions we make, we can create a more inclusive and respectful environment for everyone.
Context Matters
When it comes to choosing between “she/they” and “she/her,” context plays a crucial role. The decision to use one over the other can depend on the situation and the individual’s personal preference. Here are some examples of different contexts and how the choice between “she/they” and “she/her” might change:
Formal Settings
In formal settings such as academic or professional environments, the use of “she/her” may be more appropriate. This is because it is a more traditional and widely accepted pronoun choice. However, some individuals may prefer the use of “she/they” in these settings to acknowledge their non-binary or genderqueer identity. It is important to respect an individual’s preferred pronouns in all settings.
Informal Settings
In more casual or personal settings, the choice between “she/they” and “she/her” may depend on the individual’s personal preference. For example, if someone identifies as a woman but also feels a connection to non-binary or genderqueer identities, they may prefer the use of “she/they” among friends and family. It is important to ask for and respect an individual’s preferred pronouns in these settings as well.
Online Communication
When communicating online, the choice between “she/they” and “she/her” may depend on the platform being used. Some social media platforms, such as Twitter, have options for users to display their preferred pronouns. In these cases, it is important to use the pronouns displayed by the user. In other cases, it may be more appropriate to default to “she/her” unless otherwise specified.
Non-binary And Genderqueer Individuals
For non-binary and genderqueer individuals, the choice between “she/they” and “she/her” may depend on their personal identity and preferences. Some individuals may prefer the use of “she/they” to acknowledge their non-binary or genderqueer identity, while others may prefer the use of “they/them” exclusively. It is important to ask for and respect an individual’s preferred pronouns, regardless of their gender identity.
Overall, the choice between “she/they” and “she/her” can depend on a variety of factors, including the individual’s personal identity, the setting in which they are being used, and the platform being used for communication. It is important to ask for and respect an individual’s preferred pronouns in all situations to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the use of she/they and she/her pronouns is becoming more common and accepted in today’s society, there are still some exceptions where these rules might not apply. Here are a few examples:
1. Formal Writing
In formal writing, such as academic papers or legal documents, it is still common to use only she/her pronouns when referring to a singular person. This is because these settings typically require a more traditional and formal tone, and using multiple pronouns can be seen as too casual or informal.
2. Personal Preferences
While she/they and she/her pronouns are gaining popularity, some individuals may still prefer to use only one set of pronouns. It is important to respect an individual’s personal pronoun preferences and use them accordingly.
3. Cultural Differences
In some cultures, the use of gender-neutral pronouns may not be as widely accepted or recognized. It is important to understand and respect cultural differences when communicating with individuals from different backgrounds.
4. Specific Situations
There may be specific situations where using she/they or she/her pronouns may not be appropriate or clear. For example, in medical settings, it may be important to use only she/her pronouns when referring to a patient’s specific anatomy or medical history.
Overall, while the use of she/they and she/her pronouns is becoming more common and accepted, it is important to understand and respect any exceptions where these rules may not apply.
Practice Exercises
Now that you have a better understanding of the differences between she/they and she/her pronouns, it’s time to put that knowledge into practice. Here are some exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of these pronouns:
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
Fill in the blank with the correct pronoun:
- _____ went to the store to buy groceries.
- _____ said that they would be here at 3 PM.
- _____ is my sister. _____ is a doctor.
- _____ is going to the concert with me.
- _____ are going to the park to play frisbee.
Answer Key:
- She
- They
- She, She
- She
- They
Exercise 2: Rewrite The Sentence
Rewrite the sentence using the correct pronoun:
- My friend Sarah went to the store to buy groceries. She forgot her wallet.
- My friend Alex said that they would be here at 3 PM.
- My sister is a doctor. She is very smart.
- Jessica is going to the concert with me. She is very excited.
- My friends are going to the park to play frisbee. They are very athletic.
Answer Key:
- My friend Sarah went to the store to buy groceries. She forgot her wallet.
- My friend Alex said that she/they would be here at 3 PM.
- My sister is a doctor. She/They is very smart.
- Jessica is going to the concert with me. She/They is very excited.
- My friends are going to the park to play frisbee. She/They are very athletic.
Remember, it’s important to use the correct pronoun to respect individuals’ gender identities. By practicing these exercises, you’ll be better equipped to use she/they and she/her pronouns correctly in your everyday life.
Conclusion
After exploring the differences between “she/they” and “she/her” pronouns, it is clear that language is constantly evolving and adapting to better represent the diverse identities of individuals. While “she/her” has been the traditional and widely accepted pronoun for women, the use of “she/they” acknowledges the existence of non-binary individuals who do not identify solely as male or female.
It is important to respect an individual’s preferred pronouns and to use language that is inclusive and affirming. This not only shows respect for their identity, but it also creates a more welcoming and accepting environment for all individuals.
As language continues to evolve, it is important to stay informed and educated on proper grammar and language use. By doing so, we can create a more inclusive and respectful society for all individuals.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.