he */*/*/

weak [i] , [hi] , strong [hiː]

pronoun

1) used for referring to a man, boy, or male animal, when they have already been mentioned, or when it is obvious which one you are referring to

I told William, but he didn't believe me.[/ex]

Like all dogs, he'll chase a rabbit if he sees one.[/ex]

2) old-fashioned

used in a general way for referring to any person whether they are male or female

Everyone has a right to say what he thinks.[/ex]

•

Words that may cause offence He, him, his, and himself are sometimes used for referring to a person of either sex, but many people avoid this use because it suggests that women are not included, or that men are more important than women. To avoid causing offence, you can use expressions such as he or she, he/she, s/he, him/her, or him/herself in writing. In conversation, many people say they, them, their, and themselves to avoid mentioning whether the person is male or female.