In my opinion, it is grammatically correct (due to linguistic evolution). I'm fairly sure that Harvard English classes back this up.

To the grammar purists: language changes. Note how around the 16th century, purists insisted upon the use of thou.

Post edited at 6:06 pm on Sep. 29, 2006 by Spasty

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It just doesn't sound right whne you use it as one.

gender-neutral plural pronoun.. yes. Not singular, though.

If I'm not understanding the point of your post, sorry.

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No life ain't always beautiful,
tears will fall sometimes.
Life ain't always beautiful,
but it's a beautiful ride.

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No.

It just doesn't sound right whne you use it as one.  

gender-neutral plural pronoun.. yes. Not singular, though.

 
If I'm not understanding the point of your post, sorry.

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I messed up the word.

I mean the context of, "They have a book."
Instead of, "He/she has a book."

Language evolves so much!! Think about how we've moved from "Ich am the bit withe grammyre," (pretend I spelled all of that right) to "I am the best with grammar." (Either way, I am not. I am far from it.)

Both are English. The first is hardly understandable without some thought.

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I think while writing it's innapropriate to write that way, but speaking that way is acceptable.

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No life ain't always beautiful,
tears will fall sometimes.
Life ain't always beautiful,
but it's a beautiful ride.

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OH. Well, in that case.

I think while writing it's innapropriate to write that way, but speaking that way is acceptable.

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Where do you draw the line for "writing?"

Published? Official? Do you deem it acceptable for colloquial texts (such as LiveWire)?

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Other languages, like Spanish, for example, resolves this issue, as there exists gender specific, plural nouns, etc:  ellas versus ellos.

But I'm merely stating the facts.  English is actually one of the few languages that do not have a masculine and feminine feature.

There's a reason why 'they' is plural; it would be hard to substitute anything else (as part of the English language).

Edit:  Thus, I disagree.  Forgot to mention this!

Post edited at 10:00 pm on Sep. 26, 2006 by anonymousss

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Roses are red, violets are blue, I'm a schizophrenic...
...And so am I

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'They' is plural, which must be given a specific context beforehand, in order to determine if it is gender specific.

Other languages, like Spanish, for example, resolves this issue, as there exists gender specific, plural nouns, etc:  ellas versus ellos.

But I'm merely stating the facts.  English is actually one of the few languages that do not have a masculine and feminine feature.

Edit:  Thus, I disagree.  Forgot to mention this!

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Bad grammar -> accepted usage -> grammatical

^ How linguistic evolution works (for some things) ^

How would you feel (for the sake of debate) if in 15-20 years, it became grammatical? It's obviously in the "accepted usage" stage, as one hears it all the time, especially when anonymity is wanted.

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How would you feel . . . if in 15-20 years, it became grammatical?

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Well, for one, I would think the world has gone insane.  And if it would indeed, ever to happen, it would not be after a mere 20 years, lest for slang.

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Roses are red, violets are blue, I'm a schizophrenic...
...And so am I

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Quote: from Spasty at 1:04 am on Sep. 27, 2006

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 How would you feel . . . if in 15-20 years, it became grammatical?

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Well, for one, I would think the world has gone insane.  And if it would indeed, ever to happen, it would not be after a mere 20 years, lest for slang.

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But, as noted in the original post, I'm fairly sure that Harvard accepts it as grammatical.

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I'm sorry, but I would need something more concrete than your assurance.

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Roses are red, violets are blue, I'm a schizophrenic...
...And so am I

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Aside that it is one school, you're "fairly sure"?  

I'm sorry, but I would need something more concrete than your assurance.

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I will contact my friend who is an English major there.

Sure, one school, but it is rather prestigious.

EDIT: I just realized that I haven't a way to contact him. If I get the chance I will post.

Post edited at 1:43 pm on Sep. 27, 2006 by Spasty

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In everyday conversation it is a way to refer to a gender non-specific hypothetical person without excessive formality. Behold!

Formal:

"If one was to punch a gorilla it is likely that one would soon become sad."

Casual:

"If someone punched a gorilla, they'd totally get their shit kicked in."

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Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!"