Hallowe'en Scene 2 Language Focus

This time, the subject (and the object!) is personal pronouns.

Download

Language level

Hi I would like to know which of the following is correct. 1.No singer in John's school is more accomplished than John. 2.No singer in John's school is more accomplished than him. Thank you.

Hello Leen

1 is less ambiguous than 2, since 'him' could refer to a different person, but they are both grammatically correct.

All the best

Kirk

The LearnEnglish Team

Hi, Please I need clarification on the use of "they" as a singular. Is it considered standard British English to use it as singular? For example, "Tell anyone that calls the landline, they should reach me on my cell"

Hi Justina,

Yes, it is perfectly fine to use 'they' as a genderless singular form and your example is correct.

This use of 'they' is quite old. You can find examples in Shakespeare, for instance:

There's not a man I meet but doth salute me

As if I were their well-acquainted friend

A Comedy of Errors, Act IV, Scene 3

It is certainly not a modern imposition on the language, as is sometimes argued.

Peter

The LearnEnglish Team

Do you need to improve your English?

Whether you need better English to travel or meet new people, our online English courses will give you real practice. Join thousands of learners from around the world who are making great progress with their English level with our online courses.

Find out more

Hallowe'en Scene 2 Language Focus

Task 1

Task 2

Language level