RipponRedeaux
Well-Known Member
All three land under the banner of the singular they. We use 'the singular they' a great deal in conversational English. It's also starting to be common in newspapers, blogs and books. But in some staid circles it is distained. But it's been around since 1450 and it's not going to go away any time soon.
Some famous authors used it : Lord Chesterfield, Langston Hughes, Jane Austen, George Eliot, William Thackeray, Milton and Shakespeare himself. So it has a fine pedigree.
However, I will cite some examples from the NIV that are, to me, awkward. I will also supply a rendering from another version. These will be snips and ellipses will be used.
James 2:14
What good is it,... if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? (NIV)
...what good is it if people say they have faith but do nothing to show it? (CEB)
James 3:13
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it... (NIV)
Are any of you wise and understanding? Show that your actions are good...(CEB)
James 4:17
If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn't do it, it is a sin for them. (NIV)
It is a sin when someone knows the right thing to do and doesn't do it. (CEB)
James 5:13
Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. (NIV)
Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. (NLT)
James 5:14
Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church (NIV)
Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church (NLT)
2 John 1:10
If anyone comes to you... do not take them in your house or welcome them (NIV)
Whoever comes to you ...should neither be received nor welcomed into your home (CEB)
Some famous authors used it : Lord Chesterfield, Langston Hughes, Jane Austen, George Eliot, William Thackeray, Milton and Shakespeare himself. So it has a fine pedigree.
However, I will cite some examples from the NIV that are, to me, awkward. I will also supply a rendering from another version. These will be snips and ellipses will be used.
James 2:14
What good is it,... if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? (NIV)
...what good is it if people say they have faith but do nothing to show it? (CEB)
James 3:13
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it... (NIV)
Are any of you wise and understanding? Show that your actions are good...(CEB)
James 4:17
If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn't do it, it is a sin for them. (NIV)
It is a sin when someone knows the right thing to do and doesn't do it. (CEB)
James 5:13
Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. (NIV)
Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. (NLT)
James 5:14
Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church (NIV)
Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church (NLT)
2 John 1:10
If anyone comes to you... do not take them in your house or welcome them (NIV)
Whoever comes to you ...should neither be received nor welcomed into your home (CEB)