they

• Pronome pessoal da terceira pessoa do plural, usado como sujeito; também usado no singular para se referir a uma pessoa de gênero não especificado ou não binário.

The third-person plural pronoun in Modern English, used to refer to multiple people or things; also widely accepted as a singular gender-neutral pronoun for a person of unspecified or non-binary gender.

1. Third-person plural subject pronounA1formal

   Used as the subject of a verb to refer to two or more people, animals, or things that have already been mentioned or are clearly identified in the context.

   Pronome pessoal do caso reto da terceira pessoa do plural

   • My parents are doctors. They work at the same hospital.
   • Where are the keys? They were on the table.
   • The students submitted their essays. They did a great job.
   • I saw Anna and Tom yesterday. They looked happy.
   • These books are interesting. They teach you a lot.

2. Singular gender-neutral pronoun for unspecified or non-binary personB2formal

   Used as the subject of a verb to refer to a single person whose gender is unknown, irrelevant, or non-binary; increasingly accepted in formal and informal English as an inclusive alternative to 'he' or 'she'.

   Pronome de gênero neutro no singular para pessoa não especificada ou não binária

   • If someone calls, tell them I'll be back soon.
   • Each student should submit their assignment by Friday.
   • Alex said they would join us later.
   • When a customer arrives, greet them politely.
   • My friend Jamie prefers they/them pronouns.

3. Generic or indefinite 'they'B1informal

   Used to refer to people in general or an unspecified group, rather than specific individuals; similar to 'people' or 'one' in meaning.

   Uso genérico ou indefinido de 'eles'

   • They say that practice makes perfect.
   • In this office, they start work at 9 a.m.
   • They don't allow smoking in public buildings.
   • When they invented the smartphone, everything changed.
   • They're building a new bridge downtown.