English is largely gender-neutral, so most professional categories do not distinguish between men and women. Furthermore, when you are referring to just one person, there is no need to avoid gender-marked language.
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Chairwoman Vázquez apologised for her absence. |
However, in situations where no sex should predominate – for example, when referring to the position rather than the person occupying it – always use the neutral version(s).
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A new chairperson must be elected before the Senate’s inaugural session. |
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A new chair must be elected before the Senate’s inaugural session. |
Many professions which previously had only gender-specific names now have a neutral form. For example,ombudsman and ombudswoman should become ombuds officer where possible.
Take care when using both gender-neutral titles and they, their, themselves. In the example below, their absence could refer to either the chairperson or other committee members.
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The chairperson apologised for their absence. |
Best practice is to avoid this construction, as below.
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The chairperson apologised for not being able to attend. |
Avoid the few gender-marked words in English (for example, fireman, air hostess) by using the many neutral synonyms available (fire fighter, flight attendant).
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