If one is using the singular they, should it be "they were" or "they was?"
Poll - Total Votes: 20
They were: "They was" just sounds wrong.
They was: You use "was" for singular.
You can only vote on one answer.
61-69, M
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joesand99 · 41-45, M
Keepitsimple · 51-55, F
DunningKruger · 61-69, M
@Keepitsimple Sure, because they is traditionally plural. However, if you use it as a singular pronoun, referring to an individual of indeterminate sex, shouldn't it take was, which is the singular verb tense?
Keepitsimple · 51-55, F
It sounds so weird...just totally too southern for me I guess. Even if it is proper I couldn’t bring myself to say it.@DunningKruger
joesand99 · 41-45, M
@DunningKruger That is the issue. They is not a "a singular pronoun, referring to an individual of indeterminate sex" It is just bad English and while I understand why some want to use that, I refuse to just speak bad English because someone wants to try to identify with something that is their wish and not based on anything else. I don't judge others and don't want them to judge me OR impose their beliefs on me by trying to make me use that bad English. If you are male you are male and if you are female you are female. I will call you whatever you want but using they is just silly to me.
Keepitsimple · 51-55, F
Fernie · F
@SW-User AARRGH!! and when you ask some guy for directions you get " yer gonna wanna go ahead and take yer next right, then yer gonna wanna go ahead and..." I got a million of them
NorthernBear · 51-55, M