Gender-inclusive writing: Use sentence fragments

Section: Inclusive writing

Go to the main page of this section: Inclusive writing – Guidelines and resources.

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.

Example of a gendered sentence and an inclusive solution
Gendered sentence	Inclusive solution
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 willing to work one out of four weekends willing to travel on occasion

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.

Examples of gendered sentences and inclusive solutions
Gendered sentence	Inclusive solution
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 manage a team of 15 employees provide team members with guidance and advice prepare team members’ performance appraisals prepare individual learning plans in consultation with each team member
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 develops, implements and evaluates client service programs; advises management on how best to improve client services; and implements innovative solutions to technical problems.

Additional information

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© His Majesty the King in Right of Canada, represented by the Minister of Public Services and Procurement
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