What Is Gender-Neutral Language?

Gender-neutral language is one step toward gender equality and reducing assumptions and bias. Learn how to speak in a more gender-neutral manner.

Gender-neutral language, also known as gender-inclusive language, aims to avoid gender assumptions and biases in speaking and writing. This includes using gender-neutral first-person pronouns such as "they," avoiding overtly gendered terms in favor of genderless ones, and using gendered words of equal status. Other languages, particularly Romance languages such as Spanish and French, have different types of grammatical gender and different techniques for avoiding assumptions and bias.

Importance of Gender-Neutral Language

Gender-neutral language promotes gender equality by reducing the likelihood of making gendered assumptions and perpetuating biases. People who use or hear gendered language unconsciously or consciously reinforce gender stereotypes, limiting themselves and others by communicating that people of certain gender identities must look, act, or be a certain way. People who use gender-neutral words, on the other hand, avoid perpetuating gender biases and instead contribute to the idea that gender identity does not have to limit who a person is or can be.

Guide to Gender-Neutral Language

You can identify and eliminate gender bias in your language in three ways:

Pre-gendered nouns, verbs, and adjectives should be avoided. Many English words reflect gender, including nouns (such as "mankind"), job titles (such as "fireman," "stewardess," "policeman," "mailman," or "chairman"), verbs (such as "manned the booth"), and adjectives (such as "manned spaceflight"). Keep an eye out for these unconscious gender biases and substitute gender-neutral terms (such as "humankind," "firefighter," "flight attendant," "police officer," "mailperson," "chairperson," and "staffed" or "crewed").

Check that all gendered words are equal. Using gender-specific words on unequal terms, such as describing a room of "men and ladies" or "men and girls" rather than "men and women," is one way to perpetuate unconscious gender bias through language. When using gender-specific language, make sure to use terms that are equal in status.

Make use of the pronoun "they." Historically, the masculine pronouns "he" and "his" were used to refer to a nonspecific individual (e.g., "Each student should bring his book"). To avoid using the gendered "he," use the gender-neutral pronoun "they," either as a singular pronoun (or singular they) or by revising the construction to be plural (e.g., "Each student should bring their book." or "All students should bring their books.") Use the phrase "he or she" sparingly. Despite the inclusion of the feminine pronoun, it excludes gender nonconforming and nonbinary individuals. When referring to a specific person, use the gender-neutral form "they" until you know the person's gender identity and specific pronoun, and then use the correct pronoun moving forward (avoid the term "preferred pronouns," which implies a preference rather than a basic right).