he or she

See also: heorshe

English

Alternative forms

• she or he
• heorshe
• he/she, she/he
• s/he, (s)he

Pronoun

he or she (third person, singular, plural they)

1. (sometimes proscribed) He or she; used as a gender-neutral reference to the third person singular.
   • 2003, Doyice Cotten; John T. Wolohan, Law for recreation and sport managers, page 466:

     In Skinner the Court stated: It is not disputed, however, that chemical analysis of urine, like that of blood, can reveal a host of private medical facts about an employee, including whether he or she is epileptic, pregnant, or diabetic.

Usage notes

It is not recommended to write he (or she) or he—or she—, which treats a woman as an exception.

See also

• him or her, her or him
• his or her, her or his
• they (singular)

Anagrams

• she or he