this post was submitted on 26 Sep 2023
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No; afaik as a native speaker we use "they are". Even when using them in the singular form.
I can't do anything about your reaction. Using they as a singular word has been valid for a long time. (at least 10 years)
https://grammarist.com/usage/they/ https://www.verywellmind.com/they-them-pronouns-7110726
The article is dated 2023, which kind of adds to it's modern validity, so thank you for that. It does mention the use of "they are" referring to a singular person, as early as 1375. Looking into that further (off article), its use was generally only accepted when the gender of the person/animal was unknown. Regardless, I don't have an issue saying "they are" when referring to an individual (a Trans, for example). The hella annoying physical reaction is when I try to use "they is". So, follow-up question: "they are my friend" when referring to a Trans is fine? I mean, I don't have to use "they is my friend"?