they

• 第三人称复数代词，指代多个人或事物；也可用作单数、性别中立的代词，指代性别未知或不属于二元性别的人。

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.

   第三人称复数主格代词

   • 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'.

   单数性别中立代词，指代未指明或非二元性别的人

   • 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.

   泛指或不定指的“他们”

   • 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.