##  [Gender-inclusive writing: Address the reader directly](/writing-tips-plus/gender-inclusive-writing-address-the-reader-directly)

## Avertissement

Du contenu semblable en français est présenté dans l’article [Écriture inclusive : reformulations](/fr/cles-de-la-redaction/ecriture-inclusive-reformulations).

Pour plus d’information sur l’écriture inclusive en français, veuillez consulter la page [Écriture inclusive – Lignes directrices et ressources](/fr/cles-de-la-redaction/ecriture-inclusive-lignes-directrices-ressources).

## Section: Inclusive writing

Go to the main page of this section: [Inclusive writing – Guidelines and resources](inclusive-writing-guidelines-resources).

## On this page

- [Introduction](#introduction)
- [Guidelines for addressing the reader directly](#guidelines-addressing-reader-directly)
- [Additional information](#additional-information)

## Introduction

To make your writing [gender-inclusive](/en/writing-tips-plus/inclusive-writing-glossary#def-gender-inclusive), consider personalizing your message by addressing the reader directly. Addressing the reader is an effective technique because “you” is a pronoun that includes all genders.

Examples of gendered sentences and inclusive solutions
| Gendered sentence | Inclusive solution | The tenant must keep **his** apartment clean and tidy. | **You** must keep **your** apartment clean and tidy. |
|---|---|---|---|
| The worker is required to punch in before starting **her** shift. | **You** are required to punch in before starting **your** shift. |
| The candidate must write **his** name at the top of **his** answer sheet. | Write **your** name at the top of **your** answer sheet. |

## Guidelines for addressing the reader directly

Ask yourself the following questions:

- Are you suggesting that your reader do something?
- Are you making a request or giving an order?
- Do you need to provide some instructions?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, consider changing the [gendered](/en/writing-tips-plus/inclusive-writing-glossary#def-gendered) pronoun to “you” or “your.” The more personal, direct tone that results might suit the message you’re trying to convey.

Examples of gendered sentences and inclusive solutions
| Gendered sentence | Inclusive solution | A public servant is expected to demonstrate the utmost integrity when dealing with **his** clients. | As a public servant, **you** are expected to demonstrate the utmost integrity when dealing with **your** clients. |
|---|---|---|---|
| The incumbent is required to perform **her** tasks in keeping with established service standards. | You must perform **your** tasks in keeping with established service standards. |

## Additional information

- [Inclusive writing – Guidelines and resources](inclusive-writing-guidelines-resources)
- [Inclusive writing: Glossary](inclusive-writing-glossary)
- [Gender-inclusive writing: Use the singular “they”](gender-inclusive-writing-use-the-singular-they)

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Un outil créé et mis en ligne par le Bureau de la traduction, Services publics et Approvisionnement Canada

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## Liens connexes

- [Writing Tips Plus](/fr/writing-tips-plus/index-fra) (page d’accueil)
- [Outils d’aide à la rédaction](/fr/outils-tools/index-fra)
- [Navigateur linguistique](/fr/navigateur-navigator) (permet de trouver rapidement des conseils linguistiques)
- [TERMIUM Plus®](http://www.btb.termiumplus.gc.ca/tpv2alpha/alpha-fra.html?lang=fra)