Them is used as the object form of 'they', referring to people, animals, or things that have already been mentioned. It can also be used for a single person when their gender is unknown or not specified.
From Old Norse *þeim* 'to them', which over time replaced Old English *hem*. This is another example of Norse pronouns blending into English.
When people use singular 'they/them' today, they’re not inventing something new—English has used 'they' for unknown or general people for centuries. The shape of 'them' we use today carries Norse DNA from medieval times.
“Them” is the object form of ‘they’ and has long been used for both plural and singular reference. Prescriptive traditions temporarily stigmatized singular ‘they/them’ in favor of generic ‘he,’ reinforcing male-default references.
Use “them” for individuals when their gender is unknown, irrelevant, or nonbinary. This supports inclusive reference without assuming gender.
["him or her (formal, now less preferred)"]
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