Do you see the grammatical error in the above sentence? The grammar mistake is using them, they, and their to refer to only one person, known as the "singular they" by grammar snobs. Now, I am by no means a grammar expert, but this is something you should avoid doing in college-level work.
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The singular they is common in everyday use, especially when trying to be gender-neutral or avoiding the clunky "his or her/he or she," but that doesn't make it okay for your essays and research papers. Instead, tweak your sentence to use a plural or "his or her/he or she" to make your sentence grammatically correct with better flow.
Tweaking the sentence above, "Using the resources available to first generation or low income college students who feel they need extra support to succeed at their college is important" or "Using the resources available to a first generation or low income college student who feels he or she needs extra support to succeed at his or her college is important" might be better options. Getting rid of any singular they in your writing is something you should look for when proofreading.
Some professors will be sticklers for this type of thing and others won't care. Either way, you should get into the habit of avoiding the singular they in college-level work.
Got questions? Please feel free to ask The Advisor about it.
I agree, but only in a very cynical way. Singular they is perfectly acceptable, but if your professor will subtract from your score, don't use it. Nod and smile, and do whatever gives you the best grade. And then go on using singular they once there is no one to grade you, because that boat has sailed.
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ReplyDeleteUsing the resources available to them is important for any first generation or low income college student who feels they need extra support to succeed at their college. our site
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