Their
is a good example of a bad trend in language, ─
Huh! Who cares anyway? Everyone knows that their is plural. So when this word is used in a singular sense, flout the Rules of English and say what you have to say without being stilted, dare I say pedantic? Check this: Everyone stood up and placed their hand on their heart as The Star Spangled Banner played.
Social pressure is so strong that we must conform to vernacular norms. (But don't be in the habit of using big words like vernacular because, in point of fact, everyone will think their vocabulary is being tested.) Might we not replace all for everyone in the sentence above without anyone taking offense? Or, could we not say men, women and children stood up . . . and get the same effect? In either case the Rules of English would not be violated.
