neutral

Examples of neutral in the following topics:

• Gender-Neutral Language

  • Gender neutrality in language minimizes assumptions about the gender or sex of people referred to in writing or speech.
  • Gender-neutral language is neither masculine nor feminine and avoids using gender specific pronouns such as "he" or "she." 
  • The purpose of gender neutrality in writing is to minimize assumptions about the gender or sex of people.
  • Using gender-neutral pronouns avoids presumptions of male superiority.
  • Different authorities have presented guidelines on when and how to use gender-neutral, or "non-sexist" language.

• Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement

  • Gender-neutral pronouns include you, they, their, theirs, we, us, our, ours, your, and yours.
  • In the case where the gender of the antecedent is unknown, the pronoun should be gender-neutral or avoided altogether. 
  • [By making the antecedent plural, you can use the gender-neutral plural pronoun their.]

• Entertaining Objections

  • When you address the opposing point of view and demonstrate how your claim is stronger, you neutralize their argument.

• Techniques for Acknowledging Opposing Views

  • Whichever way you choose to bring the counterargument into the discussion, however, you'll want to use neutral language.
  • Here are some examples of neutral verbs you can use to introduce another author's opposing view: "contends," "argues," "suggests," "admits," "claims," "believes."
  • There are many valid ways to introduce an opposing view, but do try to present it in a neutral manner before you shoot it down.
  • Modify language to be neutral in tone when presenting a counterargument

• Introducing Objections Informally

  • These informal devices can help authors entertain another opinion in a neutral manner.

• The Importance of Addressing Opposing Views

  • If you fail to neutralize a common objection, readers will have an excuse to reject your argument.

• The Practice of Conversation

  • By addressing opposing points of view in your paper and demonstrating how your own claim is stronger, you neutralize those other arguments.

• The Importance of Reliability

  • "Author bias" means that the author feels strongly about the topic one way or another, which prevents the author from taking a neutral approach to presenting findings.

• Active Voice vs. Passive Voice

  • Active voice is generally more direct and neutral than passive voice.