noun phrase
she/they
shee THAY
She/they (noun phrase) means a pronoun set indicating that a person is happy to be referred to as either she or they, often used by people whose gender is partly or wholly outside the female category while still connected to it. Example: “Alex is she/they, so either is fine.”
noun phrase
1
A pronoun set indicating that a person is happy to be referred to as either she or they, often used by people whose gender is partly or wholly outside the female category while still connected to it.
"Alex is she/they, so either is fine."
"The programme note lists the choreographer as she/they."
How to use she/they
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishCall this person either she or they; both are fine.
When to use it
Neutral; standard in profiles, programme notes and introductions.
Memory tip
Read aloud as she they, and when using they of one person, keep the plural verb: they are, not they is.
Easily confused with
she/her
they/them
he/they
Common pairings
uses she/they
she/they pronouns
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Alex is _____, so either is fine.
Synonyms
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she/them
dual pronouns
Rhymes for she/they
See all rhymes for she/they →Frequently asked questions
What does she/they mean?
It means both she and they are acceptable pronouns for that person. Some people using it want a genuine mix, some lean towards one and accept the other, and asking is welcome rather than rude.
What is the difference between she/they and they/them?
They/them means only they should be used, and using she would be misgendering. She/they leaves both open, so the speaker is not making an error either way.
Does she/they mean someone is non-binary?
Often, but not always. Many non-binary people use she/they, and so do some women who simply do not mind they. Pronouns indicate how to refer to someone, not their identity, so do not infer more than that.
What is the meaning of she/they?
"she/they" (noun phrase) means a pronoun set indicating that a person is happy to be referred to as either she or they, often used by people whose gender is partly or wholly outside the female category while still connected to it.
