> > In most editorials and articles I've read, it seems like they just generally try to avoid the problem, by using plurals to make their writing gender neutral. It limits their possibilities somewhat, but it's bland enough not to offend anyone.
>
> It offends the heck out of me. Illiteracy is not the solution.

Actually, I interpreted Mark's statement a little differently.

It's one thing to write "Every student should have their books in class." It's a totally different case, however, to state that "All students should have their books in class."

The latter is not only a proper sentence, it's also a decent way of sidestepping the whole issue of gender-neutral pronouns. It's hardly a mark of "illiteracy."

The *former*, however, is fully worthy of all the grammatical nitpicking to which you've alluded, Sam and Mina. :)

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