Gender Forms in Grammar
Gender forms in grammar are about how we sort nouns and pronouns by sex or gender. English does not assign a gender to most nouns, unlike some other languages. However, it does indicate masculine, feminine, common, and neuter genders, particularly for people and animals, as well as when selecting pronouns. It is important to recognize, however, that gender is increasingly viewed as a spectrum, and inclusive usage is evolving. Understanding gender forms helps writers avoid mistakes and create clear, sensitive writing. Later sections will address the inclusive use of gender-neutral language to accommodate non-binary identities, ensuring a more comprehensive understanding of modern gender perspectives.
The Four Types of Gender in English Grammar
Masculine Gender
Words that specifically refer to male people or animals.
Examples include boy, lion, and king.
Pronouns used: he, him, his.
For a more comprehensive list, please refer to additional resources.
Feminine Gender
Words that specifically refer to female people or animals.
Examples: girl, woman, mother, aunt, lioness, cow, queen. Pronouns used: she, her, hers.
Common Gender
Nouns that refer to either male or female people or animals.
Examples include teacher, doctor, student, child, friend, and parent.
Pronouns used: they, their, or gendered pronouns according to context. Typically, 'they/their' is used for individuals whose gender is unknown, unspecified, or when referring to non-binary individuals to ensure inclusivity and sensitivity.
Neuter Gender
Words for things that have no gender—objects, places, qualities, and ideas. These nouns do not mean people or animals.
Examples: table, mountain, book, pencil, city, car, honesty, rain.
Pronouns used: it, its.
Gender Transformation: Masculine to Feminine (and Vice Versa)
By the end of this section, you'll gain an understanding of how to convert many gendered nouns confidently. However, it's essential to recognize that not all nouns undergo straightforward transformations, and some must be memorized because they don't follow specific rules. This awareness can help set realistic expectations and reduce frustration for learners.
English has specific pairs for many nouns that are gendered. Some common ways to make feminine nouns:
By adding the suffix -ess: actor → actress, prince → princess, waiter → waitress. This method is common for certain nouns, but not universal.
By using a completely different word for each gender: king → queen, father → mother. Often, there is no clear transformation rule—words must simply be memorized as gender pairs.
For some roles or occupations, the same word is used for any gender: doctor, teacher, student. Here, gender is inferred from context or pronouns, not the noun form itself.
Gender in Pronouns
Once upon a time, a boy met a table. 'He,' said the boy, pointing to himself, 'him, and his.' Nearby, a girl admired her reflection and laughed, 'She, her, and hers suit me just fine.' In the corner, a teacher pondered, 'Am I a he or she today, or perhaps they?' Meanwhile, the table merely stood still, content with being 'it' and 'its.' Through this meeting, a mini-story of pronouns was born, showing how gender in language can be as simple as a brief encounter.
Gender Forms and Modern Sensitivity
Modern English emphasizes the use of gender-neutral job and group words. For instance, people now say 'police officer' instead of 'policeman' or 'policewoman'. Similarly, 'firefighter' is used in place of 'fireman'. The pronoun 'they is often employed as a singular pronoun when the gender of a person is unknown or when someone identifies as non-binary. This language consideration shows both care and respect in writing. In job applications, inclusive language can make a significant impact. An applicant might choose 'they' instead of 'he' or 'she,' which honors their identity and encourages the hiring team to recognize and value diversity. In educational settings, using 'they/them' pronouns during introductions nurtures an inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels appreciated..
Gender Examples in Sentences
The girl forgot her book, but her brother reminded her of it. Try rewriting this sentence using a singular "they": "The student forgot their book, but they remembered to bring it later." This practice invites you to transform traditional pronoun usage and see how language can flexibly incorporate non-binary identities.
My friend is a doctor. She is respected for her skills. Now, consider how this could change: "My friend is a doctor. They are respected for their skills."
The cat chased its tail.
The team met its target. Collective nouns like 'team' can take either 'its' or 'their' as pronouns depending on the context. Traditionally, 'it's' is used when the group is being considered as a single unit. However, 'their' can be more inclusive and modern, especially when the individuality of the group's members is emphasized or when promoting gender-neutral language.
Quick Tips for Using Gender Forms in Grammar
Default to they for unspecified or unknown gender. Prioritizing this can clarify ambiguity and demonstrate inclusivity in your writing.
Use gender-neutral job titles when possible. This reflects modern usage and respects diverse identities.
Match pronouns to noun gender for clarity. Ensures that your message is grammatically correct and universally understood.
Learn common masculine and feminine noun pairs. Understanding these can enhance your grasp of gender distinctions in traditional contexts.
Adopt inclusive language practices in varied contexts. While not always mandatory, incorporating inclusive practices when possible enriches communication.
Conclusion: Why Gender Forms Matter
Knowing gender forms in grammar is not just about old rules; it is about writing clearly, correctly, and showing respect. As English evolves, it enables more precise and considerate language, which is essential for both everyday conversation and formal writing.