ESL General English Grammar Questions

Re: he/he or she

Clive — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 21:02:13 GMT

Hi,

You'll often hear

If a student is behind the / their class, they will normally do badly in their exams.

In everyday speaking, you don't usually hear people fuss with saying 'he or she', 'his or her'.

Best wishes, Clive

Re: he/he or she

Kooyeen — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 20:56:10 GMT

New2grammar
In casual conversation, which pronoun is used?

In casual conversation you can use "they". Or you can use either "he" (or "she") if you think it's likely to be a male (or a female).

A student left the door open. They should have closed it.
A truck driver left the door open. He should have closed it.

Re: he/he or she

Yoong Liat — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 19:18:35 GMT

New2grammar
Thanks for the correction and answer, Clive

If a student is behind his/her/their class, he/she/he or she/they will normally do bad in the exams.

If a student is behind his/her class, he/she will normally do badly in the exams.

If a student is behind his or her class, he or she will normally do badly in the exams.

If a student is behind his or her class, s/he they will normally do badly in the exams.

If a student is behind his or her class, they will normally do badly in the exams. (the gender-neutral way)

Students who are behind their class will normally do badly in the exams. (Using the plural does away with the awkward constructions.)

Re: he/he or she

New2grammar — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 16:37:54 GMT

Thanks for the correction and answer, Clive

If a student is behind his/her/their class, he/she/he or she/they will normally do bad in the exams.

How about the above?

Re: he/he or she

Clive — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 16:19:17 GMT

Hi,
If a teacher hits a student, [he/ he or she/they] may get sued.

In casual conversation, which pronoun is used?
Hard to say. eg Primary school teachers are usually women.

'They' is often used.

Clive

he/he or she

New2grammar — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 15:42:30 GMT

If a teacher hits a students, [he/ he or she/they] may get sued.

In casual conversation, which pronoun is used?
Thanks