A Guide to Pronouns Usage

Pronouns are a normal part of how people talk and write every day. Using the pronouns someone shares is a simple way to show respect and help people feel seen.

This guide explains pronouns, shares examples (including gender-neutral and neopronouns), and offers practical tips for what to do in everyday situations—plus where to find support if misgendering is happening.

Learn the Basics

Whether you’re new to the topic of pronouns or want a quick refresher, review the basics of pronouns.

Why Pronouns Matter

Pronouns are words people use to refer to someone, often instead of a name (like she, he, they). Pronouns often communicate information about someone’s gender.

Example: “I wonder if she knows she left her water bottle in the classroom.” Many people would assume the person identifies as a woman.

Because pronouns can signal gender, people sometimes guess someone’s pronouns based on appearance. That can lead to using the wrong pronouns.

Misgendering

Using pronouns that don’t match someone’s gender identity is called misgendering. For example, saying “he” when a person uses “she” or using “hers” instead of “theirs.”

Misgendering can be especially upsetting for transgender and nonbinary people. It can feel invalidating or dehumanizing and cause a loss of belonging at ӽ紫ý. If misgendering happens repeatedly, intentionally or in a hostile way, it may be harassment or discrimination.

Common and gender-neutral pronouns

Many people use common pronouns like she/her or he/him.

They/them are commonly used as gender-neutral pronouns. While many people learned “they” as plural, it is also accepted as a singular pronoun.

Example: “A student in my office needs to know if they have to fill out form 1219.”

Not using pronouns at all (using a name instead)

Some people prefer not to use pronouns. Instead, they want others to use their name.

Example: Instead of “She went to the game,” say “Juanita went to the game.”

Using someone’s name can also help when you:

  • Don’t know someone’s pronouns
  • Are worried you might get it wrong
  • Can’t remember their pronouns in the moment

Individual Identity and Choice

People use pronouns in different ways. This section shares common pronouns, gender-neutral pronouns, neopronouns and what it means when someone uses more than one set. It also includes options for when someone doesn’t want to share pronouns or prefers not to use pronouns at all.

Neopronouns

Some people use newer pronouns (often called neopronouns) to avoid gendered language.

Examples include:

  • zi/zir (pronounced zee/zeer)
  • zem/zemself (pronounced zem/zem-self)
  • fae/faer/faeself (pronounced fay/fair/fay-self)
  • ey/em/emself (pronounced ay/em/em-self)

Examples in sentences:

  • “Ze went to the store to pick up milk.”
  • “Please give a piece of cake to faer.”
  • “Roxie is confident in emself.”

Using more than one set of pronouns (she/they, he/they)

Some people use more than one set of pronouns. This usually means either set is okay, and you can use them interchangeably.

Example: “She thought she knew the answer, but now they are uncertain.”

Sharing pronouns (and not sharing)

When introducing yourself, you may choose to include pronouns.

Example: “Hello, my name is Jamal, and I use he/him pronouns.”

Sharing pronouns can:

  • Invite others to share (if they want to)
  • Help normalize pronoun sharing
  • Reduce assumptions about gender

Some people don’t want to share their pronouns, and that’s okay. If someone doesn’t share, use their name instead of pronouns.

Practicing Respect and Inclusion

Learn tips for sharing your pronouns, using inclusive language, correcting mistakes and building habits that help you get pronouns right over time.

Handling mistakes

Everyone makes mistakes sometimes. If you use the wrong pronoun, a quick correction is usually the best.

Example: “Sorry—they were just here.”

Try not to over-apologize or make it a big moment. That can put pressure on the other person to comfort you.

Building good habits

If you struggle to remember someone’s pronouns:

  • Practice at home
  • Ask a friend or colleague (not the person being misgendered) to help correct you
  • Use the person’s name until you’re confident

Pronouns matter like names do. Most people wouldn’t keep using the wrong name—pronouns deserve the same effort.

Inclusive practices you can use right away

  • Add pronouns to your email signature
  • Add pronouns to your name tag or badge
  • Practice neopronouns so they feel more familiar
  • Gently correct misgendering when you hear it, for example: “Jiwong uses she pronouns.”
  • Use inclusive language beyond pronouns, for example: Say partner instead of husband/wife
  • Use inclusive group greetings—everyone, folks, y’all, people—instead of “ladies and gentlemen”
  • Choose gender-neutral terms, when possible, like “firefighter” instead of “fireman”

Gender-neutral titles (honorifics)

Honorifics like Ms., Mrs., and Mr. are gendered. Gender-neutral options include:

  • Mx. (pronounced “mix”)
  • M. (pronounced “em”)

Examples:

  • Mx. Jones went to Italy to visit the Vatican.
  • Dear M. Jones, we hope you enjoyed your time with us at our hotel.

Because not everyone recognizes these titles, some people add a brief note (like an asterisk) explaining they’re using gender-inclusive language.

Find Support and Resources

If misgendering is happening, especially repeatedly, support is available. This section outlines ӽ紫ý resources, reporting options and links for learning more.

If you are being misgendered

ӽ紫ý supports transgender and nonbinary identities and has policies that address misgendering. The Pride team can provide educational resources and support.

Students experiencing repeated or ongoing misgendering can contact the Pride team for:

  • Support and guidance
  • Help planning how to address the situation
  • Strategies for intervention
  • Help with educating others

If misgendering continues, the Pride team can also help with reporting through the Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance (OIEC).

Policy

ӽ紫ý policy prohibits discrimination and harassment based on protected-class identity. Gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation are protected classes at ӽ紫ý. Unfair treatment or intimidating behavior based on these identities is reportable to the university.

Further learning

If you want to learn more about pronouns and gender-inclusive language, these resources can help: