Aksheka Muralietharan
1
Aksheka MuralietharanPosted 3 months ago

Singular "they"

I know that traditionally the use of the singular "they" was not considered acceptable in formal academic writing, and it was often avoided in favor of

"he or she" or rephrasing the sentence.

However, in modern academic and professional usage, it is increasingly recognized and widely used.


Is the use of the singular "they" now fully accepted in formal academic writing?

  

Top answer

Yes, the singular "they" is now broadly accepted in formal academic writing. All four dominant academic style guides — APA, MLA, AP, and Chicago — formally accept and endorse it. APA endorses it specifically because it is inclusive and helps writers avoid assumptions about gender.

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1 Answers
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Yes, the singular "they" is now broadly accepted in formal academic writing.


All four dominant academic style guides — APA, MLA, AP, and Chicago — formally accept and endorse it. APA endorses it specifically because it is inclusive and helps writers avoid assumptions about gender.


That said, acceptance is not entirely uniform. You should always foll