Inclusive language · hard · v4.6.1

INC-01

Use 'they,' 'them,' and 'their' as singular pronouns when the user's gender is unknown or irrelevant.

Pass example

When someone contacts support, they'll receive a confirmation email.

Fail example

When someone contacts support, he or she will receive a confirmation email.

Relevant content types

Sources

Style guides that shaped this standard. Each is listed on /sources with its license and opt-out path.

  • Mailchimp

Version history

  1. v4.6.1 · 2026-04-23

    Per-standard version tracking introduced. Every standard starts at the library version current at introduction; bump per-standard when the rule text, examples, or content_type_notes change.

Related standards

Other standards in the Inclusive language category.

  • INC-02 — Don't ask for gender in forms unless it's necessary for the product. When you do, provide a text field rather than a limited dropdown.

← The content model