Read the following excerpt from a usage dictionary and answer the question(s).
Informational Text:
Reference Materials
they 1. used as a third-person pronoun, a plural for he, she, or it, referring to a
group of individuals. 2. often used with a third-person singular antecedent: Nobody
can find where they should sit
Usage notes: English lacks a third-person singular pronoun to refer to indefinite
pronouns such as anyone, someone, nobody. Though it is plural, today speakers
and writers often use they where they think it sounds best.
12
Which sentence features a usage of they that, according to the information
from the dictionary, is most likely to be or to have been
contested?
I wish they understood what I was trying to say about the
invitations.
No one has to participate in extracurricular sports if they don't
want to.
They all knew what had to be done in order to achieve an A in the
class.
All the teachers announced the schedule they would be using in
the fall.



Answer :

Final answer:

Explanation of the contested usage of 'they' with singular antecedents and its acceptance for inclusivity purposes.


Explanation:

According to the information from the dictionary, the sentence that features a usage of 'they' likely to be or to have been contested is: No one has to participate in extracurricular sports if they don't want to. This usage of 'they' with a singular antecedent, 'no one,' has historically been challenged but is now widely accepted for inclusivity purposes.

An important aspect to consider is that the evolution of language towards inclusivity has led to the acceptance of singular they as a gender-neutral pronoun, especially when the gender of the individual is unknown or when referring to nonbinary individuals. This shift in usage reflects a broader societal push for more inclusive language practices.

Overall, the acceptance of singular 'they' has progressed over time, with major style guides such as Associated Press, Oxford English Dictionary, Chicago Manual of Style, MLA style manual, and APA style manual now recognizing its usage, particularly in cases of inclusivity and gender neutrality.


Learn more about Usage of 'they' with singular antecedents here:

https://brainly.com/question/39519797