As language and culture evolve, so do pronoun usage and gender identity. It’s important for writers and editors to be aware of these changes and follow guidelines for pronoun agreement in gender.

First, let’s define some terms. Gender refers to a person’s sense of self as male, female, or a combination of both. Pronouns are words that replace nouns in a sentence to avoid repetition or to make the sentence flow better. Common pronouns include he/him, she/her, they/them, and ze/zir.

In the past, pronouns were often tied to a person’s biological sex. For example, “he” would be used for a male and “she” for a female. However, this approach excludes non-binary individuals who don’t identify as exclusively male or female. It’s important to respect and acknowledge all gender identities.

One way to do this is to use gender-neutral pronouns, such as they/them, when referring to someone whose gender you are unsure of or who identifies as non-binary. For example, instead of saying “he or she,” you could say “they.” It’s important to note that using they/them as singular pronouns is now considered acceptable and should not be seen as incorrect grammar.

It’s also important to respect an individual’s chosen pronouns. If someone tells you their preferred pronouns, make an effort to use them in your communication with them. For example, if someone tells you they prefer ze/zir, use those pronouns when referring to them.

In writing, make sure pronoun agreement matches the gender of the noun being replaced. For example, if the noun being replaced is “teacher,” use “he or she is” instead of “they are.” Similarly, if the noun is gender-neutral, use gender-neutral pronouns like they/them or ze/zir.

It’s also important to avoid assumptions about someone’s gender based on their name or appearance. As a copy editor, double-check that pronouns match the intended gender of the person or noun being referred to. This ensures that everyone is being respected and included in the conversation.

Overall, pronoun agreement in gender is a crucial aspect of inclusive language. Being aware of gender identity and using appropriate pronouns shows respect for individuals of all gender identities. As language and culture continue to evolve, it’s important for writers and editors to stay informed and adapt accordingly.