Pronouns

As members of the MSU Writing Center, we acknowledge that language can be used to both empower and oppress. We are committed to learning with and for our community about the power of language. As a part of our learning, we celebrate International Pronouns Day and acknowledge that "using someone’s correct personal pronouns is a way to respect them and create an inclusive environment, just as using a person’s name can be a way to respect them" (https://pronouns.org/what-and-why). 

What is this resource about 

This resource offers guidance for respectful use of personal pronouns.  

Online Resources Recommended for Practice by MSU Writing Center Tutors 

• Practice with Pronouns (Option 1)  
  
  • An interactive website that allows you to practice using different pronouns in all types of sentences. 
• Practice with Pronouns (Option 2) 
  
  • An interactive website that allows you to practice using different pronouns in all types of sentences. 
• How-To Guide: Pronouns by Communications Workers of America
  
  • Easy to follow guide of common pronoun usage errors and their corrections. 

Professional Organizations’ Stances on Gender-Affirming Language 

• APA Singluar "They" Usage 
  
  • APA guide to the use of “they”. While it was once discouraged in academic writing, it is now highly endorsed. 
• MLA Singluar "They" Usage 
  
  • MLA guide to the use of “they” for both specific and generic uses. 
• Position Statement on Singular "They" by International Writing Centers Association 
  
  • A statement about the use of singular “they” and the right for students to use the pronouns of their choice in their academic writing. 
• Linguistic Misgendering by Linguistic Society of America 
  
  • The LSA’s official statement regarding how language can either affirm or impede people's rights to identity and safety.