Mark this one under ‘personal goals.’ I want to avoid, anywhere possible, from saying “they” or “them.” Let me explain.

“The experts are saying that…”

“The movie critics, they are saying…”

“I read this the other day, they are saying…”

More often this phrase is coming across to me in a strange way. Part of it may be due to some extra research I have thrown myself into for a project that will (hopefully) soon be written about. I want to propose a challenge for myself, and for anyone else willing to listen, to put nouns in place of those pronouns. I’m challenging myself to find out who said something, and quote them directly. Using other words in place doesn’t really help anyone.

No more they. No more them.