Community Discussions
Guide to using Singular "They"
I'm a native English speaker who uses singular they/them pronouns. Here's a quick guide to using them: Although this may seem like a new linguistic development, the singular *they* has been in use in English since the 14th century. You can use it to refer to anyone whose gender or preferred pronouns you don't know, or for someone who chooses to go by those pronouns. When in doubt, just ask! Don't beat yourself up too much for getting it wrong, just keep doing your best. It's not a big deal if you don't make it one. But remember: Treat others the way you want to be treated. You wouldn't like someone calling you a "she" when you're a "he" or anything like that, so try to give others the same respect. In many cases, the singular *they* sounds similar to the plural *they*, but there are some exceptions. For example, "Are" is typically used instead of "is" for singular *they*, just because it sounds better. "Is" would technically be grammatically correct for the singular *they*, but it sounds strange. Still, you should be understood regardless. Examples of singular *they*: - They - Them - Their/Theirs - Themself - Theirself Examples of singular *they* in sentences: - "Oh, I've met *them*! *They're* really funny." - "Do you know where *they* went?" - "Have you seen *their* shirt?" - "*They* found it hard to imagine *themself* in that situation." - "*They're* going to do it *theirself*." I hope this was helpful! If you have any questions, just ask!
Why Do People Say That Calling It Dreads Instead Of Locs Is Offensive?
I speak this language natively but I've never actually been told why we shouldn't call them Dreads. The full name for the style is "Dreadlocs", so how does that make one single part of the name offensive? Also, Dreads sounds awesome compared to just locs.
Is it common to use “thineselves” to say “yourselves”?
I saw someone saying “you best prepare thineselves” and I’ve never seen that term before.
How to know the meaning of a word without translating it?
I've been learning English for many months now and I think I know 95% of the words, but when I find a new word, I still find it annoying to have to open the translator and figure it out. Is there any way to know the meaning of a word without having to translate it?
Is this sentence ambiguous?
The correct answer shows it should be "give up". But I think it's ambiguous, almost like a pun or a joke. Give up what? Give up on quitting smoking?
been in the US since I was six, told I have an accent and sound nasally
Hi, I've been in the US since I was six, I'm seventeen now. People tell me I have an accent and that I sound nasally and like a prepubescent kid, I'm originally from Egypt and my native language is Arabic. What about it gives me away? How can I fix it? I put some voice clips below, I used this accent website and it reads me as either Arabic or Hindi/Urdu. [https://voca.ro/1hr4i2KGUrzr](https://voca.ro/1hr4i2KGUrzr) [https://voca.ro/12FwxSZh4whv](https://voca.ro/12FwxSZh4whv) [https://voca.ro/13VYo0hA8dQs](https://voca.ro/13VYo0hA8dQs)
Which one sound sounds more natural in speaking?
"I’ve left my laptop for repair, so I can’t do anything right now." "My laptop is being repaired, so I can’t do anything right now." If there is a more natural way to say this, let me know!
What is the feeling when your skin is feeling "dull"?
https://www.reddit.com/r/EnglishLearning/comments/1hzcmma/what_is_the_feeling_when_your_skin_is_feeling_dull/
I wish to learn English
I wish to learn English....
Why do people have the different accent in the same country?
Im talking about the us like why some regions have california accent or boston accent or midwest accent like what?