Yes, the use of “they” as a singular pronoun is becoming more common in formal essays (writing) as a way to include non-binary individuals and to be more inclusive. However, it’s important to be aware of the audience and the conventions of the field you are writing in.
The use of “they” as a singular pronoun is still considered as informal or non-standard by some, and it is not universally accepted in all fields. In fields such as mathematics, science, or engineering, the use of “they” as a singular pronoun is not common and could be considered as unprofessional.
In cases where the use of “they” as a singular pronoun is not accepted, it is better to use gender-neutral terms such as “the person,” “the individual,” “one,” etc. Or to rephrase the sentence to avoid the use of a pronoun altogether.
It’s important to check the guidelines of the assignment, the professor, or the field you’re writing in to ensure that the use of “they” is appropriate. In cases where the use of “they” as a singular pronoun is allowed, it’s important to use them in a way that does not detract from the overall professionalism and objectivity of the essay.
In general, it’s good to be aware of the conventions of the field you are writing in and to use language that is appropriate and inclusive, while still being professional and objective.
