Is there a plural form of it?

The Curious Case of “They”: When Singular “It” Becomes Plural

The English language, a vibrant tapestry woven from centuries of evolution, often presents delightful quirks. One such quirk, increasingly common yet still debated, is the use of “they” as a plural pronoun for the singular “it.” This isn’t a grammatical error springing from careless writing; rather, it’s a nuanced usage reflecting a shift in how we understand and express plurality.

Traditionally, “it” serves as the singular pronoun for inanimate objects and concepts. Your car is “it”; the weather is “it”; a specific idea is “it.” The rule dictates that the plural equivalent is “them.” However, consider this scenario: you’re discussing several cars, each individually an “it.” Do you say, “Each car has its own unique features, and they all require regular maintenance”? Or do you awkwardly stumble through a series of “its”? The former is increasingly accepted, even preferred.

This shift is driven by a desire for clarity and natural language flow. Using “they” to refer to multiple “its” avoids the cumbersome repetition and potential ambiguity of consistently employing “it” or resorting to clumsy workarounds like “each one has its own…” The sentence becomes smoother, more concise, and easier to understand. This is particularly true when dealing with abstract concepts or when the specific identity of each individual object isn’t the focus.

Consider the sentence: “Every project has its own challenges, and they require careful planning.” While grammatically speaking, “they” replaces multiple instances of “it,” the sentence reads far more naturally than its alternative using only singular pronouns. The focus remains on the collective group of projects and their shared characteristics, not on the individual properties of each project.

The argument against using “they” in this context often centers on traditional grammar rules. However, language is a living entity, constantly adapting to meet the needs of its speakers. The usage of “they” as a singular pronoun for people of unknown or non-binary gender has already gained widespread acceptance, demonstrating language’s flexibility. Extending this flexibility to the pluralization of “it” reflects a similar need for efficient and clear communication.

In conclusion, while the purist might bristle at the usage of “they” as the plural of “it,” its prevalence and practical benefits are undeniable. It streamlines sentences, enhances clarity, and avoids the awkwardness of overly formal alternatives. In the ongoing evolution of the English language, this seemingly minor grammatical shift represents a significant adaptation to the way we communicate about the world around us. The question isn’t whether there’s a plural form of “it,” but rather how best to express the plurality of “its” in a way that’s both clear and natural.