Section: Inclusive writing
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Introduction
In most writing, you can’t convey complete thoughts without using complete sentences: in other words, sentences that have both a subject and a verb. However, in certain situations, you can use incomplete sentences to make your writing gender-inclusive. These incomplete sentences are called sentence fragments.
Gendered sentence | Inclusive solution |
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The applicant must be willing to work one out of four weekends. He or she must also be willing to travel on occasion. | The applicant must be
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Guidelines for using sentence fragments
In general, avoid using sentence fragments in formal writing. Consider using them if you’re drafting a work description, job posting or list of tasks, or some similar piece of writing, especially when you have a long list of points.
Gendered sentence | Inclusive solution |
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As a team leader, the applicant will be required to manage 15 employees. He must provide team members with guidance and advice. He will be required to prepare the team’s performance appraisals. In consultation with each team member, he will be expected to prepare individual learning plans. | As a team leader, the applicant will be required to
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The incumbent develops, implements and evaluates client service programs. He or she advises management on how best to improve client services. He or she implements innovative solutions to technical problems. | The incumbent
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Additional information
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© His Majesty the King in Right of Canada, represented by the Minister of Public Services and Procurement
A tool created and made available online by the Translation Bureau, Public Services and Procurement Canada
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