##  [Gender-inclusive writing: Use the pronoun “one”](/writing-tips-plus/gender-inclusive-writing-use-the-pronoun-one)

## 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 using numerical “one”](#guidelines-numerical-one)
- [Guidelines for using impersonal “one”](#guidelines-impersonal-one)
- [Additional information](#additional-information)

## Introduction

In certain cases, you can avoid gender-specific pronouns by using the neutral singular pronoun “one.” Remember, though, that “one” can be used in the numerical sense or in the impersonal sense.

- **Numerical “one”** can replace a noun used as a single hypothetical person who represents a specific group.
- **Impersonal “one”** is used to convey a general statement that includes everyone.

Two examples where the pronoun “one” is used to make a gendered sentence inclusive
| Technique | Gendered sentence | Inclusive solution | **Numerical “one”** | **A lawyer** in Toronto is likely to earn more than **she** would in Halifax. | **A lawyer** in Toronto is likely to earn more than **one** in Halifax. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| **Impersonal “one”** | Under the law, **a tenant** has the right to control access to **his** apartment. | Under the law, **one** has the right to control access to **one’s** apartment. |

## Guidelines for using numerical “one”

You can use numerical “one” to craft an inclusive sentence when you’re making a comparison.

Examples of gendered sentences and inclusive solutions
| Gendered sentence | Inclusive solution | A home buyer in Northern Ontario will pay a lower price than **he** would in Southern Ontario for a comparable dwelling. | A home buyer in Northern Ontario will pay a lower price than **one** in Southern Ontario for a comparable dwelling. |
|---|---|---|---|
| A nurse in Canada has access to more advanced training than **she** would receive in a less developed nation. | A nurse in Canada has access to more advanced training than **one** in a less developed nation. |

## Guidelines for using impersonal “one”

You can use impersonal “one” to craft an inclusive sentence when you want to be objective and formal. But a word of warning: use this technique with caution. Keep in mind that impersonal “one” is dated and rarely used in Canadian English. Because of its formality, it may make your writing sound pretentious.

Example of a gendered sentence and an inclusive solution
| Gendered sentence | Inclusive solution | **Anyone** who wants to avoid heart problems should limit **his** intake of unhealthy fats. | To avoid heart problems, **one** should limit **one’s** intake of unhealthy fats. |
|---|---|---|---|

## Additional information

- [Inclusive writing – Guidelines and resources](inclusive-writing-guidelines-resources)
- [Inclusive writing: Glossary](inclusive-writing-glossary)

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## Liens connexes

- [Writing Tips Plus](/fr/writing-tips-plus/index-fra) (page d’accueil)
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