How to Write with a Gender Neutral Language

Return from "How to Write with a Gender Neutral Language" to ENGLISH TIPS page

Return from "How to Write with a Gender Neutral Language" to HOW TO WRITE ANYTHING home page



© Ugur Akinci

Whenever possible, use a gender neutral language and avoid using gender-biased words and phrases.

For example, instead of "Chairman," you can try "Chair," "Moderator," or "Facilitator." But if the gender of the "Chair" is obvious from the context, then you can use "Chairman" or "Chairwoman" as appropriate.

Here are some other suggestions (inspired by Microsoft Style Guide):

OLD USAGE: Man. Mankind.
TRY: Humanity. People. Humankind.

OLD USAGE: "He mans the boat."
TRY: "He operates the boat."

OLD USAGE: "The candidate was manhandled on the campaign trail."
TRY: "The candidate was roughed up on the campaign trail."



OLD USAGE: Salesman.
TRY: Sales Representative. Sales Person.

OLD USAGE: Man-made.
TRY: Synthetic. Manufactured.

OLD USAGE: Manpower.
TRY: Workforce. Staff. Personnel.

OLD USAGE: Man-hour.
TRY: Person-hour.

OLD USAGE: ... to a man
TRY: ...without exception

OLD USAGE: Manhunt.
TRY: Hunt for fugitive.

(Excerpts from 101 Ways to Power-Up Your Writing)

Have a Great Tip, Photo or Comment About This Topic?

Do you have a great tip or photo about this? Something that you believe we should read or see? Contribute and share it today!