Synonyms for “They”: Mastering Pronoun Variation

Understanding pronoun usage is crucial for clear and effective communication. While “they” is a versatile pronoun, particularly in its singular form and for referring to groups, relying on it exclusively can sometimes lead to repetitive or unclear writing.

This article explores a range of synonyms and alternative phrasing options for “they,” enhancing your ability to express yourself with precision and nuance. Whether you’re an English language learner, a student honing your writing skills, or a professional seeking to improve your communication, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and tools to confidently navigate pronoun choices and avoid monotony.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of various ways to replace or rephrase sentences using “they.” By understanding these alternatives, you can craft more engaging and precise writing, ensuring your message is effectively conveyed. From using specific nouns to employing different sentence structures, we’ll cover a variety of strategies to enrich your vocabulary and refine your communication skills.

Table of Contents

1. Definition: Understanding “They” and Its Synonyms
2. Structural Breakdown: How “They” Functions in Sentences
3. Types and Categories of Synonyms for “They”
   • Specific Nouns
   • Rephrasing with “He or She”
   • Using Names or Titles
   • Omitting the Pronoun
   • Using “One”
   • Using “You” (in Specific Contexts)
4. Examples of Synonyms for “They”
   • Examples with Specific Nouns
   • Examples with “He or She”
   • Examples with Names or Titles
   • Examples of Omitting the Pronoun
   • Examples using “One”
   • Examples using “You”
5. Usage Rules: When and How to Use Synonyms for “They”
   • Formality and Context
   • Clarity and Avoiding Ambiguity
   • Pronoun Agreement
6. Common Mistakes When Using Synonyms for “They”
7. Practice Exercises
   • Exercise 1: Identifying Appropriate Synonyms
   • Exercise 2: Rewriting Sentences
   • Exercise 3: Error Correction
8. Advanced Topics
   • Gender-Neutral Pronouns Beyond “They”
   • Literary and Stylistic Considerations
9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
10. Conclusion

Definition: Understanding “They” and Its Synonyms

The pronoun “they” is primarily used as a third-person plural pronoun, referring to multiple people or things. However, it has also gained widespread acceptance as a singular pronoun, particularly when the gender of the person being referred to is unknown, irrelevant, or non-binary.

Understanding the various uses of “they” is crucial before exploring its synonyms.

Synonyms for “they,” in this context, are not direct replacements but rather alternative ways to phrase sentences to avoid overuse or potential ambiguity of the pronoun “they.” These alternatives can include using specific nouns, rephrasing with “he or she,” employing names or titles, omitting the pronoun altogether, or using other pronouns like “one” or “you” depending on the context.

The function of these synonyms is to enhance clarity, avoid repetition, and sometimes to navigate situations where the singular “they” might not be the most appropriate or preferred choice. The context in which “they” is used will dictate the most suitable alternative.

Structural Breakdown: How “They” Functions in Sentences

“They” can function as a subject, object, or possessive pronoun in a sentence. Understanding its grammatical role is vital for correctly using its synonyms.

• Subject: They went to the store. (Here, “they” performs the action.)
• Object: I saw them at the park. (Here, “them” receives the action.)
• Possessive: That is their car. (Here, “their” shows ownership.)

When replacing “they,” the substitute must maintain the same grammatical function. For example, if “they” is the subject, the replacement must also be a subject.

This ensures grammatical correctness and clarity in the sentence.

The choice of synonym also depends on whether “they” is being used in a plural or singular sense. If referring to a group, a plural noun or pronoun might be suitable.

If used as a singular pronoun, alternatives like “he or she” or a specific noun might be more appropriate, depending on the context and the writer’s intention.

Types and Categories of Synonyms for “They”

There are several categories of synonyms or alternative phrasing options for “they,” each with its own nuances and best-use cases.

Specific Nouns

Replacing “they” with a specific noun is often the clearest and most direct alternative, especially when the noun is known or easily identifiable from the context. This avoids ambiguity and provides more precise information.

Rephrasing with “He or She”

Using “he or she” (or “him or her,” “his or her”) is a traditional way to avoid gender-specific pronouns when the gender of the person is unknown or irrelevant. While grammatically correct, it can sometimes feel clunky or outdated, especially if used repeatedly.

Modern usage often favors the singular “they” in these situations, but “he or she” remains a viable option in some contexts.

Using Names or Titles

Repeating the person’s name or using a title (e.g., “the doctor,” “the manager”) can be a good alternative to “they,” particularly when referring to a specific individual. This adds clarity and avoids pronoun repetition.

Omitting the Pronoun

In some cases, the pronoun “they” can be omitted altogether, especially in informal writing or when the subject is clear from the context. This often involves rephrasing the sentence to make the pronoun unnecessary.

Using “One”

The pronoun “one” can be used to refer to people in general, similar to the singular “they” when referring to a hypothetical person. However, “one” is generally more formal and less common in everyday conversation.

Using “You” (in Specific Contexts)

In certain instructional or advisory contexts, “you” can be used to replace “they” when referring to people in general. This is particularly common in how-to guides or when giving advice.

Examples of Synonyms for “They”

The following sections provide examples of each type of synonym for “they,” illustrating how they can be used in different contexts.

Examples with Specific Nouns

This table demonstrates how to replace “they” with specific nouns, providing clarity and avoiding ambiguity. The original sentence using “they” is shown alongside the revised sentence with a specific noun.

Original Sentence (with “They”)	Revised Sentence (with Specific Noun)
They said the meeting was postponed.	The managers said the meeting was postponed.
They are working on the project.	The engineers are working on the project.
They voted against the proposal.	The members voted against the proposal.
They enjoyed the concert.	The audience enjoyed the concert.
They are responsible for the decision.	The board is responsible for the decision.
They are protesting the new law.	The citizens are protesting the new law.
They are studying hard for the exam.	The students are studying hard for the exam.
They are building a new house.	The construction workers are building a new house.
They are planting trees in the park.	The volunteers are planting trees in the park.
They are investigating the crime.	The detectives are investigating the crime.
They are providing healthcare to the community.	The doctors and nurses are providing healthcare to the community.
They are writing a new book.	The authors are writing a new book.
They are performing on stage tonight.	The actors are performing on stage tonight.
They are selling fruits and vegetables at the market.	The vendors are selling fruits and vegetables at the market.
They are teaching children how to read.	The teachers are teaching children how to read.
They are protecting the environment.	The environmentalists are protecting the environment.
They are managing the company.	The executives are managing the company.
They are repairing the road.	The road workers are repairing the road.
They are cleaning the streets.	The sanitation workers are cleaning the streets.
They are serving customers in the restaurant.	The waiters and waitresses are serving customers in the restaurant.
They are developing new software.	The software developers are developing new software.
They are analyzing the data.	The data analysts are analyzing the data.
They are designing the new building.	The architects are designing the new building.
They are editing the film.	The editors are editing the film.

Examples with “He or She”

This table illustrates the use of “he or she” as an alternative to “they” when referring to a singular person whose gender is unknown or irrelevant. While singular “they” is now widely accepted, “he or she” remains a grammatically correct option.

Original Sentence (with “They”)	Revised Sentence (with “He or She”)
If a student needs help, they should ask a teacher.	If a student needs help, he or she should ask a teacher.
The applicant will be notified of their decision soon.	The applicant will be notified of his or her decision soon.
Each employee is responsible for their own actions.	Each employee is responsible for his or her own actions.
A doctor must always consider their patient’s well-being.	A doctor must always consider his or her patient’s well-being.
If someone wants to succeed, they must work hard.	If someone wants to succeed, he or she must work hard.
The user can change their password at any time.	The user can change his or her password at any time.
A customer can return their purchase within 30 days.	A customer can return his or her purchase within 30 days.
The participant must sign their consent form before starting.	The participant must sign his or her consent form before starting.
Every child deserves the chance to pursue their dreams.	Every child deserves the chance to pursue his or her dreams.
The artist expresses themselves through their work.	The artist expresses himself or herself through his or her work.
Each candidate must submit their resume by Friday.	Each candidate must submit his or her resume by Friday.
A teacher should always encourage their students.	A teacher should always encourage his or her students.
The author dedicated their book to their family.	The author dedicated his or her book to his or her family.
Every citizen has the right to express their opinion.	Every citizen has the right to express his or her opinion.
The manager is responsible for their team’s performance.	The manager is responsible for his or her team’s performance.
Each homeowner is responsible for maintaining their property.	Each homeowner is responsible for maintaining his or her property.
The speaker captivated the audience with their words.	The speaker captivated the audience with his or her words.
Each musician brings their own unique style to the band.	Each musician brings his or her own unique style to the band.
The chef prepares each dish with their own special touch.	The chef prepares each dish with his or her own special touch.
A programmer should test their code thoroughly.	A programmer should test his or her code thoroughly.
The designer created their masterpiece with passion.	The designer created his or her masterpiece with passion.
Each volunteer contributes their time and effort.	Each volunteer contributes his or her time and effort.
The librarian helps patrons find their desired books.	The librarian helps patrons find his or her desired books.
A scientist conducts their research with precision.	A scientist conducts his or her research with precision.

Examples with Names or Titles

This table shows how to use names or titles to replace “they,” adding clarity and specificity to the sentence. This is particularly useful when referring to individuals in a narrative or professional context.

Original Sentence (with “They”)	Revised Sentence (with Name/Title)
They said the report was due tomorrow.	Dr. Smith said the report was due tomorrow.
They are the best player on the team.	Maria is the best player on the team.
They will be leading the presentation.	The CEO will be leading the presentation.
They recommended this book.	Sarah recommended this book.
They are in charge of the project.	Mr. Johnson is in charge of the project.
They created this beautiful painting.	Van Gogh created this beautiful painting.
They discovered the new element.	Marie Curie discovered the new element.
They invented the telephone.	Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone.
They wrote the famous play.	William Shakespeare wrote the famous play.
They conducted the orchestra.	The conductor conducted the orchestra.
They designed the building.	The architect designed the building.
They solved the complex equation.	The mathematician solved the complex equation.
They reported the news.	The journalist reported the news.
They defended the client in court.	The lawyer defended the client in court.
They treated the patient with care.	The nurse treated the patient with care.
They taught the students about history.	The professor taught the students about history.
They composed the beautiful symphony.	Beethoven composed the beautiful symphony.
They painted the famous portrait.	Leonardo da Vinci painted the famous portrait.
They sculpted the statue.	Michelangelo sculpted the statue.
They discovered the new planet.	The astronomer discovered the new planet.
They wrote the bestselling novel.	The author wrote the bestselling novel.
They directed the award-winning film.	The director directed the award-winning film.
They performed the surgery.	The surgeon performed the surgery.
They managed the project successfully.	The project manager managed the project successfully.

Examples of Omitting the Pronoun

This table illustrates how to rephrase sentences to omit “they” altogether, often resulting in more concise and direct writing. This is particularly effective when the subject is implied or understood from the context.

Original Sentence (with “They”)	Revised Sentence (Omitting “They”)
They are saying the weather will be bad tomorrow.	The weather is predicted to be bad tomorrow.
They recommend visiting the museum.	A visit to the museum is recommended.
They expect the company to grow.	The company is expected to grow.
They believe the project will succeed.	The project is believed to succeed.
They announced the winners of the competition.	The winners of the competition were announced.
They consider him to be a great leader.	He is considered a great leader.
They reported the accident on the news.	The accident was reported on the news.
They found evidence at the crime scene.	Evidence was found at the crime scene.
They built the bridge in record time.	The bridge was built in record time.
They discovered a new species of plant.	A new species of plant was discovered.
They elected her as the president.	She was elected as the president.
They established the new company.	The new company was established.
They designed the new website.	The new website was designed.
They organized the event successfully.	The event was organized successfully.
They painted the mural on the wall.	The mural was painted on the wall.
They published the research findings.	The research findings were published.
They renovated the old building.	The old building was renovated.
They repaired the damaged road.	The damaged road was repaired.
They restored the antique furniture.	The antique furniture was restored.
They translated the book into English.	The book was translated into English.
They updated the software.	The software was updated.
They validated the test results.	The test results were validated.
They verified the information.	The information was verified.
They witnessed the accident.	The accident was witnessed.

Examples using “One”

This table demonstrates the use of “one” as a substitute for “they” when making general statements. “One” is generally more formal than “they” in this context.

Original Sentence (with “They”)	Revised Sentence (with “One”)
They should always be polite to others.	One should always be polite to others.
They must be careful when crossing the street.	One must be careful when crossing the street.
They should always strive for excellence.	One should always strive for excellence.
They need to be prepared for any eventuality.	One needs to be prepared for any eventuality.
They should always respect their elders.	One should always respect one’s elders.
They must be responsible for their actions.	One must be responsible for one’s actions.
They should always try to learn new things.	One should always try to learn new things.
They need to take care of their health.	One needs to take care of one’s health.
They should always be honest with themselves.	One should always be honest with oneself.
They must be patient when learning a new skill.	One must be patient when learning a new skill.
They should always appreciate the beauty of nature.	One should always appreciate the beauty of nature.
They need to be grateful for what they have.	One needs to be grateful for what one has.
They should always be kind to animals.	One should always be kind to animals.
They must be aware of their surroundings.	One must be aware of one’s surroundings.
They should always be open to new experiences.	One should always be open to new experiences.
They need to be mindful of their impact on the environment.	One needs to be mindful of one’s impact on the environment.
They should always be respectful of other cultures.	One should always be respectful of other cultures.
They must be diligent in their studies.	One must be diligent in one’s studies.
They should always be considerate of others’ feelings.	One should always be considerate of others’ feelings.
They need to be proactive in solving problems.	One needs to be proactive in solving problems.
They should always be optimistic about the future.	One should always be optimistic about the future.
They must be resilient in the face of adversity.	One must be resilient in the face of adversity.
They should always be curious about the world.	One should always be curious about the world.
They need to be responsible citizens.	One needs to be a responsible citizen.

Examples using “You”

This table illustrates how “you” can replace “they” in instructional or advisory contexts, creating a more direct and engaging tone. This is particularly effective in how-to guides and when giving advice.

Original Sentence (with “They”)	Revised Sentence (with “You”)
If they want to succeed, they need to work hard.	If you want to succeed, you need to work hard.
When they arrive, they should check in at the front desk.	When you arrive, you should check in at the front desk.
If they are feeling stressed, they should take a break.	If you are feeling stressed, you should take a break.
Before they start cooking, they should wash their hands.	Before you start cooking, you should wash your hands.
If they are unsure, they should ask for help.	If you are unsure, you should ask for help.
When they exercise, they should warm up first.	When you exercise, you should warm up first.
If they want to learn a new language, they should practice every day.	If you want to learn a new language, you should practice every day.
Before they go to bed, they should brush their teeth.	Before you go to bed, you should brush your teeth.
If they want to improve their writing, they should read more.	If you want to improve your writing, you should read more.
When they travel, they should pack light.	When you travel, you should pack light.
If they want to save money, they should create a budget.	If you want to save money, you should create a budget.
Before they start a project, they should make a plan.	Before you start a project, you should make a plan.
If they are feeling tired, they should get some rest.	If you are feeling tired, you should get some rest.
When they are driving, they should pay attention to the road.	When you are driving, you should pay attention to the road.
If they want to be successful, they should set goals.	If you want to be successful, you should set goals.
Before they leave the house, they should lock the door.	Before you leave the house, you should lock the door.
If they want to stay healthy, they should eat nutritious food.	If you want to stay healthy, you should eat nutritious food.
When they are working on a computer, they should save their work frequently.	When you are working on a computer, you should save your work frequently.
If they want to make a good impression, they should be punctual.	If you want to make a good impression, you should be punctual.
Before they send an email, they should proofread it carefully.	Before you send an email, you should proofread it carefully.
If they want to learn a musical instrument, they should practice regularly.	If you want to learn a musical instrument, you should practice regularly.
When they are in a meeting, they should listen attentively.	When you are in a meeting, you should listen attentively.
If they want to start a business, they should do market research.	If you want to start a business, you should do market research.
Before they invest money, they should seek professional advice.	Before you invest money, you should seek professional advice.

Usage Rules: When and How to Use Synonyms for “They”

Using synonyms for “they” effectively requires understanding certain usage rules related to formality, clarity, and pronoun agreement.

Formality and Context

The choice of synonym should align with the formality of the writing. “One” is generally more formal than “you” or omitting the pronoun.

“He or she” can sometimes feel outdated in informal contexts. Specific nouns are generally appropriate in most contexts, providing clarity and precision.

Clarity and Avoiding Ambiguity

The primary goal of using synonyms for “they” is to enhance clarity. Ensure that the replacement pronoun or noun is easily understood and does not create ambiguity.

If the context does not clearly indicate who “they” refers to, using a specific noun is usually the best option.

Pronoun Agreement

Ensure that the replacement pronoun or noun agrees in number and gender with the antecedent (the noun or pronoun it refers to). If replacing “they” with “he or she,” ensure that the verb form agrees with the singular pronoun.

Similarly, if using a plural noun, ensure that the verb form is plural.

Common Mistakes When Using Synonyms for “They”

One common mistake is using a synonym that creates ambiguity or confusion. For example:

• Incorrect: They said the project was finished. (Who said it?)
• Correct: The team leader said the project was finished.

Another common error is using “he or she” excessively, making the writing sound awkward:

• Awkward: Each student should bring his or her own lunch. If he or she forgets, he or she will have to buy one.
• Better: Each student should bring their own lunch. If they forget, they will have to buy one.

Failing to maintain pronoun agreement is also a frequent mistake:

• Incorrect: The committee made its decision. (Committee is a collective noun and can take a plural pronoun)
• Correct: The committee made their decision.

Practice Exercises

Test your understanding of synonyms for “they” with the following exercises.

Exercise 1: Identifying Appropriate Synonyms

For each sentence, identify the most appropriate synonym or alternative phrasing for “they.”

Question	Answer
They are responsible for managing the budget.	The accountants are responsible for managing the budget.
If they want to succeed, they must work hard.	If you want to succeed, you must work hard.
They said the game was cancelled due to rain.	The organizers said the game was cancelled due to rain.
They should always be respectful of others.	One should always be respectful of others.
They are conducting research on climate change.	The scientists are conducting research on climate change.

Exercise 2: Rewriting Sentences

Rewrite the following sentences, replacing “they” with a more appropriate synonym or alternative phrasing.

Exercise 3: Error Correction

Identify and correct the errors in the following sentences related to the use of synonyms for “they.”

Advanced Topics

Beyond the basic synonyms and usage rules, there are more advanced considerations when dealing with pronoun usage.

Gender-Neutral Pronouns Beyond “They”

While “they” is the most widely accepted singular gender-neutral pronoun, other options exist, such as “ze/zir/zirs.” These pronouns are often used by individuals who identify as non-binary or genderqueer. It’s important to respect individuals’ pronoun preferences and use the pronouns they specify.

Literary and Stylistic Considerations

In literature, the choice of pronouns can be a stylistic device. Authors may intentionally use “they” in ambiguous ways to create a sense of mystery or to reflect the uncertainty of the narrator.

The overuse of any pronoun, including its synonyms, can lead to monotonous writing. Varying sentence structure and employing different phrasing techniques can enhance the overall quality of the writing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

Mastering the art of pronoun usage, including understanding synonyms for “they,” is essential for clear, effective, and inclusive communication. By employing the strategies and examples outlined in this article, you can enhance your writing skills, avoid ambiguity, and ensure that your language reflects respect for all individuals.

Whether you choose to use specific nouns, rephrase sentences, or embrace gender-neutral pronouns, the key is to be mindful of context, clarity, and the preferences of the people you are referring to. With practice and attention to detail, you can confidently navigate the complexities of pronoun usage and communicate with precision and grace.