Sexist Language
Writing Practice
LESSON: It has become politically and socially unacceptable to use "he" to refer to an indefinite singular person (A criminal should watch HIS back). However, switching number (A criminal should watch THEIR backS) offends against arithmetic, and etiquette often forbids using the feminine singular (A criminal should watch HER back). The solution of "he or she" is the least economical and most ugly of all possible solutions. This lesson will present alternatives and show you how to apply them.
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