Boyonfire  +  447755 Thu, 29 Nov 07 10:43 AM "Why hire someone based on race and, or gender, when they may not be qualified?" I was taught that when you use "someone" that doesn't describe male or female, you can refer someone to "they" or "them", is that correct? If not, what word could the writer use in place of "they" other than "he/she" or "he or she"? Thanks! Boyonfire Joined on Mon, Oct 1 2007 New Member 12 Genders

	Yoong Liat  +  447758 Thu, 29 Nov 07 10:52 AM  Boyonfire wrote: "Why hire someone based on race and, or gender, when they may not be qualified?" I was taught that when you use "someone" that doesn't describe male or female, you can refer someone to "they" or "them", is that correct? If not, what word could the writer use in place of "they" other than "he/she" or "he or she"? You're right. In modern English, they is used instead of he or she and he/she. Yoong Liat Joined on Mon, Sep 4 2006 Veteran Member 6,757 Genders

	Feebs11  +  447759 Thu, 29 Nov 07 10:52 AM This is a subject that engenders reams of discussion. Use "they" or "them". It is perfectly acceptable and is a usage that goes back centuries. The alternative is to avoid the situation arising by phrasing the sentence differently. Feebs11 Joined on Thu, Nov 23 2006 UK Veteran Member 5,015 Genders