How has singular they historically appeared in English?

• A. It has no historical precedent.
• B. It is a modern invention with no history.
• C. It has roots in older English usage and remains widely used today for gender-inclusive reference.
• D. It is used only in formal writing.

Answer: (C)

Singular they has a long history in English. It’s not a modern invention; writers from older English periods used they and their when the gender of the person was unknown or when referring to people in general. This shows that a single-person reference using they has deeper roots, not something newly created. Today, it remains common because it provides a natural, inclusive way to refer to someone without assuming gender. For example, if someone calls, tell them I’ll call them back uses they and their for a person whose gender isn’t specified. This combination of historical presence and current widespread use for gender-inclusive reference makes the option that describes it as rooted in older usage and still widely used today the strongest answer.