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play video his or her
Usage Notes

Is singular 'they' a better choice?

The awkward case of 'his or her'


"Everyone should do his or her best in whatever situations he or she happens to find himself or herself in?" That's awkward. Perhaps everyone should just do their best in the situations they find themselves in. Even if their best involves they as a singular pronoun.

Up next

play video his or her
Is singular 'they' a better choice?

 

The awkward case of 'his or her'

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'Between you and __'? Simple guidance for a tricky pronoun.

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Affect vs. Effect

 

Here's the lowdown on what may be the most confusing pair of words in the English language.

play alright allright video
Alright vs. All Right

 

Is 'alright' all right?

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Lay vs. Lie

 

Editor Emily Brewster clarifies the difference.

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A Look at Uncommon Onomatopoeia

 

Some imitative words are more surprising than others

play fun funner funnest
Fun, Funner, Funnest

 

Why does it sound strange to say 'funner' or 'funnest?'