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Try to avoid using he, his, or him whenever
you’re describing an unknown or imagined person. The constant use
of male pronouns is sexist.
Undesirable: When
a doctor operates, he should listen to classical music.There are several ways to avoid reflexively referring
to men. Each option has its own problems and benefits. Whichever
option you choose, be sure that it is consistent in context.
Alternation
You can alternate between using male and female pronouns.
This option requires careful attention but also allows you to avoid
some ambiguity.
• The student forced to rise at six o’clock
won’t be able to focus on his schoolwork. The student who wakes
up at ten o’clock will be alert and ready to face her work. She
will be less tired than he.
Rewriting
You can avoid the problem by rewriting.
• Students forced to rise at six A.M.
won’t be able to focus on their schoolwork. Students who wake up
at ten A.M. will be alert and ready to face
their work.
• The unknown culprit will face the vice
principal’s wrath.
S/He and Similar
You can concoct a combination of male and female pronouns
such as she/he, s/he, him/her, his/hers.
This option can be unsightly.
• The culprit, whoever s/he is, will
face the vice principal’s wrath.
Their
What you cannot do is match a singular
noun with the plural possessive their in an attempt
to be gender neutral.
Undesirable: Someone
left their prom tickets on the bench.
• Someone left her prom tickets on the
bench.
• Someone left his or her prom tickets
on the bench.
Undesirable: Whoever
wants to go to the water park should bring their
bathing suit.
• Whoever wants to go to the water park
should bring his bathing suit.
• If you want to go to the water park,
bring your bathing suit.
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