Avertissement
Du contenu semblable en français est présenté dans l’article Écriture inclusive : reformulations.
Pour plus d’information sur l’écriture inclusive en français, veuillez consulter la page Écriture inclusive – Lignes directrices et ressources.
Section: Inclusive writing
Go to the main page of this section: Inclusive writing – Guidelines and resources.
On this page
- Introduction
- Guidelines for using numerical “one”
- Guidelines for using impersonal “one”
- 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.
| 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.
| 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.
| 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
Avis de droit d’auteur pour l’outil Writing Tips Plus
© Sa Majesté le Roi du chef du Canada, représenté par le ou la ministre des Services publics et de l’Approvisionnement
Un outil créé et mis en ligne par le Bureau de la traduction, Services publics et Approvisionnement Canada
Rechercher par thèmes connexes
Vous voulez en apprendre davantage sur un thème abordé dans cette page? Cliquez sur un lien ci-dessous pour voir toutes les pages du Portail linguistique du Canada portant sur le thème choisi. Les résultats de recherche s’afficheront dans le Navigateur linguistique.
Liens connexes
- Writing Tips Plus (page d’accueil)
- Outils d’aide à la rédaction
- Navigateur linguistique (permet de trouver rapidement des conseils linguistiques)
- TERMIUM Plus®