cairo@nmtvax.UUCP (04/26/84)
Has anyone heard anything from an authority blessing the use of "their"
for the general-purpose third person? I mean "Somebody left their pen"
which was once "Somebody left his pen" but the feminists didn't like it.
He says that nobody is going to say "Somebody left one's pen" (which
doesn't even sound correct, although it might be), so "their" it is.
I recall reading a book by someone with a refreshing attitude about this
sort of "popular usage determines meaning/correctness," i.e. he thought
it is good and that it keeps English vital.
He also argues for splitting infinitives, likes prepositions at the end
of sentences, and is against spelling reform.
The problem is, I don't remember who he was, and I want to use him as
a source in an argument with an English Professor who, needless to say,
does not agree me (or him). I'd appreciate mail telling me who he is
and/or what his book is, or even the names of other people with his
attitude. Thanks in advance.
--
S. Luke Jones
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