As a linguistic expert, I'm delighted to delve into the intricacies of English grammar and usage. The question of whether "it" can be used as a plural is a fascinating one, as it touches upon the evolution and flexibility of language. Let's explore this in detail.

In English, the pronoun "it" is traditionally used as a singular neuter pronoun. It refers to a non-living thing or an animal whose gender is unknown or irrelevant. However, the use of pronouns is not always so straightforward. The English language has seen a shift in recent years towards greater inclusivity and clarity, which has led to the use of "they" as a singular pronoun in certain contexts.

The traditional rule is that "it" is singular and does not have a plural form. However, in informal speech and writing, people often use "they" to refer to a singular entity when the gender is unknown or when the individual prefers not to be identified by a gendered pronoun. This usage has been recognized by various style guides and dictionaries, which now accept "they" as a singular pronoun in certain cases.

The reference material provided suggests that unlike the singular "it," the plural pronouns "they," "them," and "those" do not imply non-personhood. This is accurate in the sense that these pronouns are used for plural nouns regardless of whether they refer to people or things. However, the material seems to conflate the use of "it" with the use of plural pronouns, which are distinct in their application.

When we talk about a single entity, such as an apple, we use "it" to refer to that entity. If we were to put multiple apples into a container, we would then use "they" or "them" to refer to the collection of apples, as these are the correct plural forms. The use of "they" as a singular pronoun is a more recent development and is not universally accepted, but it is gaining traction in informal contexts and in certain professional settings.

In conclusion, while "it" is a singular pronoun and does not have a traditional plural form, the language is evolving, and "they" is increasingly being used as a singular pronoun in specific situations. It's important to be aware of these changes and to use language in a way that is clear, respectful, and inclusive.

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Unlike the singular "it" which always implies a non-person, the plural pronouns "they", "them", and "those" do not. The plural forms should be used for any plural noun, whether or not it is a person. There aren't actually plural forms of people-specific pronouns. For a single apple, you put it into a container.read more >>