Using "They" as a Singular Pronoun

Creating an inclusive social media presence is more important than ever in today's diverse and interconnected world. One of the simplest yet most impactful ways to do this is by using "they" as a singular pronoun in your social media copywriting. This small linguistic shift can make a big difference in ensuring that your content respects and acknowledges all individuals, regardless of their gender identity. Here's how you can seamlessly incorporate the singular "they" into your social media strategy.

The Importance of Inclusive Language

Using "they" as a singular pronoun is a powerful way to foster inclusivity. It recognizes and respects non-binary, genderqueer, and gender non-conforming individuals who do not identify strictly as male or female. It also provides a gender-inclusive alternative in situations where a person's gender is unknown. This practice aligns with evolving language standards and reflects a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Using "They" in Social Media Copy

1. Understand the Context
Before integrating "they" into your social media copy, it's important to understand when and why it's appropriate. Use "they" when referring to someone whose gender is not known or when referring to a person who identifies with this pronoun. For example:
"If a customer has any questions, they can reach out to our support team."

2. Be Consistent
Consistency is key in effective communication. Once you start using "they" as a singular pronoun, ensure that it is applied consistently across all your social media channels. This helps in normalizing the usage and avoids confusion. For instance:
"Every employee should feel valued in their workplace."

3. Educate Your Audience
While many people are familiar with the singular "they," some may not be. Use your platform to educate your audience about the importance of inclusive language. Share posts or articles explaining why you've adopted this practice and how it contributes to a more inclusive environment. For example:
"At T Squared Social, we use 'they' as a singular pronoun to ensure our language is inclusive of all gender identities. Learn more about why this matters."

4. Practice in All Forms of Content
Whether it's a tweet, an Instagram caption, a LinkedIn post, or a Facebook update, make a conscious effort to use "they" in all forms of your content. This reinforces your commitment to inclusivity across different platforms. For example:
LinkedIn: "If someone is looking for career advice, they should check out our latest blog post."
Instagram: "Every follower is special to us, and we appreciate their support!"

5. Train Your Team
Ensure that everyone involved in creating and managing your social media content is on board with using inclusive language. Provide training sessions and resources to help them understand the importance of using "they" as a singular pronoun and other inclusive practices. For example:
"Join our team training session on inclusive language to learn how we can better support all members of our community."

​6. Use Examples
When introducing the use of "they" as a singular pronoun, provide examples to illustrate how it can be used naturally in sentences. This can help your team and audience get comfortable with the change. For example:
"Alex loves their new role at T Squared Social and is excited to contribute to our mission."

Common Questions

Isn't It Grammatically Incorrect?
While some may argue that "they" as a singular pronoun is grammatically incorrect, language is constantly evolving. Major dictionaries and style guides, including the Oxford English Dictionary and the AP Stylebook, now accept the singular "they" as grammatically correct and appropriate.

​What If Someone Uses Other Pronouns?
Respect individual preferences. If someone specifies that they identify as "he," "she," or another pronoun, use the pronoun they have chosen. Inclusivity means respecting each person's identity and preferences.

Incorporating "they" as a singular pronoun in your social media copywriting is a simple yet effective way to create a more inclusive presence. It demonstrates respect for all individuals and reflects a commitment to diversity and equality. Let's embrace this linguistic evolution and make our online communities more welcoming for everyone.

Author

Tyler Babiy (he/they) is the owner of T Squared Social, where he works with numerous local businesses to produce incredible social media content. With a formal education in fine arts and fashion marketing, they are the designer behind Social Made Local, an apparel brand made for creators by creators. Through their community work, they co-founded the Saskatchewan Queer Entrepreneurs + Professionals, building a brighter future for 2SLGBTQIA+ businesspeople across the province.