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Jan 7, 2016 · Correct: It was he who messed everything up. (he messed) HOWEVER, in informal English, many people tend to follow "to be" verbs with object pronouns like me, her, them, and him. Many English scholars tolerate this distinction between formal and casual English. Example: It could have been them. Technically correct: It could have been they.
- Overview
- What does “he/him” mean?
- Why do people share their pronouns?
- How do you ask about someone’s pronouns?
- What if you get someone’s pronouns wrong?
Does he/him mean someone is straight? Your questions, answered
What if you get someone’s pronouns wrong?
You’ve probably seen “he/him” or something similar in someone’s email signature or in a social media bio. When you see this, it means that person is indicating that they want to be referred to with masculine pronouns, as in, “He sent the email,” or, “That’s his address.” Everyone uses pronouns, but the ways people use them might be new to you. We’re here to explain more about what “he/him” means, who uses pronouns and why, and how to ask about or correct yourself when using other people’s pronouns.
“He/him/his” on a nametag, email signature, or any other context means that that person prefers to use masculine pronouns.
Everyone uses pronouns, but many people prefer to use pronouns that are different from the ones people might assume they use.
Ask for someone’s pronouns just by saying, “Which pronouns do you prefer?” then share your own. It’s no big deal!
“He/him/his” means that someone identifies with male pronouns.
Pronouns are words used in place of a noun to reference someone or something without using their name. Someone with he/him/his pronouns in his email signature, social media bio, or elsewhere is making it clear that he currently identifies and uses masculine pronouns to refer to himself. [1] Other pronouns include:
This person prefers to use female pronouns.
This person identifies as
or gender-nonconforming. These pronouns are also often used when you’re unsure of someone’s preferred pronouns.
She/they, or he/they, or she/him, etc
To clarify the language they’re comfortable with.
Imagine if someone used the wrong pronouns when talking about you. It might make you uncomfortable, frustrated, or bewildered, right? The same goes for people who aren’t comfortable with the pronouns that might seem “obvious” to others. Sharing their pronouns lets others know what they like to be called.
For many, using the right language is a health issue. Studies show that using one’s preferred name and pronouns reduces the risk of depression and suicide.
To make things more inclusive for others.
When cisgendered people (people who identify with the gender they were assigned at birth) share their pronouns—even though it might seem obvious—they help to set a precedent that encourages non-cisgendered people to share what they’d like to be referred to, as well, and if they so choose.
That said, there are many reasons why someone might not wish to share their pronouns, like if they’re questioning their gender, aren’t public with their own gender expression, or fear harassment for that expression.
Ask for someone’s pronouns casually but respectfully.
is as simple as saying, “What pronouns do you use?” or, “What pronouns would you like me to use?”
It’s no big deal as a question, and neither is the answer. When in doubt, asking is better than assuming!
Share your own pronouns after, to help others feel more comfortable.
Avoid assuming what pronouns other people use.
While pronouns are often tied to someone’s gender identity, they still only indicate the language someone wants to use for themselves. It’s best to avoid assuming which pronouns someone uses whenever possible, even if their appearance or mannerisms might make it seem “obvious.” [7]
Apologize casually and briefly, or thank them for correcting you.
Pronouns are only a big deal if you purposefully or repeatedly use the wrong ones, which is disrespectful. Usually, if you misgender someone by getting their pronouns wrong, all it takes is a simple, “Oh, sorry,” to move along with the conversation.
“So he was telling me—sorry, she was telling me…”
If someone corrects you, thank them and keep the conversation going. Like: “She wanted me—” “Oh, I use he/him pronouns.” “Thank you for correcting me. He wanted me to…”
Avoid emphasizing the corrected pronouns, which only draws attention to the discomfort of the mistake.
“Neopronouns” like xe/xem/xyr or ey/em/eir often exist outside the gender binary, and have been used since as far back as the 18th century.
Jun 2, 2021 · Transgender, or simply trans, is an adjective used to describe someone whose gender identity differs from the sex assigned at birth. A transgender man, for example, is someone who was listed as ...
Jun 6, 2022 · Or they may be male at birth, but present and identify as female. Or they may be intersex at birth, present as male, and personally identify as non-binary. The “she/her”, “he/his” or “they/them” is a way to articulate this personal self-identification.
Pronouns: personal ( I, me, you, him, it, they, etc.) - English Grammar Today - a reference to written and spoken English grammar and usage - Cambridge Dictionary
Nov 1, 2022 · He/him/his pronouns are used to make it extremely obvious to the world that the speaker wishes to be identified as a guy. Because of this, you should always address a person as a man, regardless of their appearance. They identify as male or male-identified by using the pronouns “he him his.”. Gender expression and gender identity are highly ...
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Jun 9, 2022 · Gender pronouns are terms individuals choose to represent themselves. While we are most familiar with “he/him” and “she/her”, those who identify as gender-neutral or non-binary may prefer a different term. These may include (but are not limited to): they/them. ze/zim (pronounced “zee”) may also be spelled xe/xim.
