When to Use 'They' in Tag Questions with Indefinite Pronouns

In English, the choice of pronoun in tag questions can affect the clarity and inclusivity of your writing. Specifically, when the subject of a sentence is an indefinite pronoun such as somebody, everybody, no one, someone, or everyone, the pronoun used in the tag question follows specific linguistic rules based on animacy.

Introduction to Indefinite Pronouns and Tag Questions

Indefinite pronouns refer to non-specific entities or people. For instance, somebody, everybody, no one, someone, or everyone. Tag questions with these pronouns play a crucial role in seeking confirmation or agreement. These pronouns also form the core of many paradoxical instances in English.

The Linguistic Term: Animate vs. Inanimate Nouns

The linguistic distinction is defined by the semantic categories of animate nouns and inanimate nouns:

Animate Nouns: These nouns refer to persons, animals, or other living creatures, such as boy, sheep, and worm. Inanimate Nouns: These nouns refer to things or concepts that are not living, such as corn, boyhood, and sleep.

In English, animate nouns correspond to the pronouns he, she, who, while inanimate nouns correspond to the pronouns it, which. Thus, the choice of pronoun in the tag question aligns with the original sentence's animacy.

Examples with Indefinite Pronouns

Let's examine some examples to understand the rule in practice:

Somebody is/are coming to the party, aren't they?

Everybody loves/love a good story, don't they?

No one knows/know the answer, do they?

These examples illustrate how the pronoun in the tag question must match the animacy of the original noun, thus helping in maintaining coherence and clarity in the sentence.

Semantic Paradox and Clarity

Some indefinite pronouns, such as everybody, everyone, and everything, are intrinsically plural but take a singular verb. This can create a confusion where the plural nature of the pronoun would intuitively require a plural verb, such as they. However, for grammatical correctness, these nouns are treated as singular and thus take a singular verb.

Consider the following example to understand this:

After the game ended, everybody left the stadium quickly, and soon he was scattered to all parts of the city.

If the sentence were to use they, it would create an absurdity:

After the game ended, everybody left the stadium quickly, and soon they were scattered to all parts of the city.

Similarly, if every seat were used:

After the game ended, the fans left every seat and soon it was empty.

Again, changing it to they would be nonsensical:

After the game ended, the fans left every seat and soon they were empty.

Tag Questions and Indefinite Pronouns

The tag question for indefinite pronouns follows the same rule. For example:

Everyone left the stadium, didn't he? (Incorrect)

Everyone left the stadium, didn't they? (Correct)

Every seat was emptied, wasn't it? (Incorrect)

Every seat was emptied, weren't they? (Correct)

Nobody left the stadium, did he? (Incorrect)

Nobody left the stadium, did they? (Correct)

These examples illustrate that the tag question should be in agreement with the animacy of the original sentence.

Modern Language Trends and Preferences

Today, a preference for gender-neutral language has been adopted in many contexts. This shift is largely driven by the LGBTQ community and the transsexual and sex-fluid movements. Using they as a singular pronoun is seen as more inclusive and respectful. For instance:

Everyone left the stadium, didn't they?

No one knows the answer, do they?

Every child should feel safe, shouldn't they?

This trend illustrates how the choice of pronoun can reflect social and cultural shifts. A good writer or speaker often comes up with alternatives to avoid repetitiveness, such as using he or she, he and she, or one.

Conclusion

In summary, the use of they in tag questions with indefinite pronouns is governed by the principles of animacy and clarity. It is essential to use the correct pronoun to convey the intended meaning accurately. Modern language preferences suggest an inclusive approach, which can make your writing more relatable and accessible to a broader audience. By understanding and applying these rules, you can enhance the effectiveness and inclusivity of your communication.