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Texas ISD School Guide
Texas ISD School Guide







Writing and Public Speaking

How to Handle Indefinite Subjects in Your Writing
By:Jane Sumerset

Some forms of writing, depending on the subject, will often require you to use inclusive pronouns and grammar constructs, rather than singular, specific ones. This becomes especially prominent when you end up writing profiles about individuals and organizations.

A few writers don't give it too much thought, using "he" or "she" liberally, allowing the reader to figure out the reference on their own. While that's not a bad way of doing things, it can lead to potential problems down the line.

When an indefinite subject, such as a homogenous group of people, is referred to using a singular personal pronoun, it can cause a varied range of reactions. On the benign end, some amount of confusion will almost always arise, which the writer is counting on can be overcome by the readers on their own. On the harsher extreme, however, you might end up angering certain groups of readers (such as when you refer to an indefinitely-gendered secretary as a "she").

To be on the safe side, always use inclusive pronouns and phrases when referring to indefinite subjects. It's not only politically correct, it also makes more sense. After all, when you're unsure about a fact, do you go ahead stating it as a truism or add a short disclaimer to let the reader know of its uncertain veracity?

Additionally, always use an English writing software with the specific instructions to catch these transgressions. Even when you consciously mean to use an inclusive word, after all, you can still make a mistake.

Watch how innovative English Grammar Software http://www.englishsoftware.org/ instantly can improve your writing on a daily basis and learn how advanced NLP technology can help you to write perfect emails, essays, letters or reports. Read more http://www.englishsoftware.org/articles/write-better-english/how-to-handle-indefinite-subjects-in-your-writing/






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