One of these sentences is not like the other

bunthorne — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 03:18:03 +0000

In an earlier post, I wrote regarding my use of the masculine pronoun with an indefinite antecedent: “I refuse to use incorrect grammar or to recast my writing simply as a sacrifice of appeasement at the altar of political correctness.” Check out what the Chicago Manual of Style has to say about this issue:

On the one hand, it is unacceptable to a great many reasonable readers to use the generic masculine pronoun (he in reference to no one in particular). On the other hand, it is unacceptable to a great many readers either to resort to nontraditional gimmicks to avoid the generic masculine (by using he/she or s/he, for example) or to use they as a kind of singular pronoun. (15th ed., p. 233; italics in original)

Now, is that subtle or what? Guesses as to which approach the authors prefer? Anyone? Anyone?

Platitudes in Stained-glass Attitudes » Grammar

One of these sentences is not like the other