Masculine & Feminine: Gender Words In English

Gender words can simply be defined as words that can help to specify a natural gender but in grammatical terms. In the English language, Gender is just a way of breaking up the nouns into diverse classes and categories. Further, speaking of nouns, they can be identified as a part of language that names anything (including place, person, or thing). Hence, while naming them there is also a need for an indication of their natural gender, this is where the gender words come in. 

However, there are two types of gender in any language, these are:

These gender terms define the categories such as Feminine, Masculine and even Neutral. However, while proceeding along with grammatical gender, it is important to note that it has nothing to do with the biological gender. It is an encoded rule in many languages whereby objects are assigned a gender which affects the words we would use around them.  In English however, objects don’t have a grammatical gender like in Hindi or French, but like most languages, there are words that have a clear gender:

For instance; 

• Words such as mother, woman, aunt, earth or others related are categorised as feminine gender words that are commonly used in English. 

• Words such as brother, man, waiter, actor, lion and other related words are categorised as words associated with males or are masculine gender words. 

• Further, certain words such as truth, happiness, server, spouse and others are gender-neutral words and don’t indicate any specific gender at all. 

As the name reflects, it is based on the biological features or the reality of the object. Several characteristics exist that define whether a human/animal is male or female or indicate their natural gender. However, based on such natural gender, their grammatical gender is defined in most of the cases. 

For Instance:

• Grammatical Words such as “he”, “his”, “him” and “himself” are used for men and boys. 

• Grammatical Words such as “she”, “her”, “hers” and “herself” are used for women and girls. 

• Apart from this, there are certain gender-specific terms which are used to describe the biological gender. For example, “stallion” is used for the male horses; “mare” is used for the female horses whereas “horse” in itself is a gender-neutral term.

Let’s have a look at some of the common masculine, feminine and gender-neutral words in English that can help you better understand the difference and prepare for the upcoming IELTS exam. 

How Are Gender Words for Objects Defined in English?

In English, gender is primarily used to differentiate nouns based on natural gender, such as male, female, or neutral distinctions for people and animals. However, when it comes to objects, the language generally employs gender-neutral terms and pronouns. For example, "it" is commonly used to refer to objects, while "they" is used for people or entities without a specific gender identity.

Interestingly, English sometimes ascribes metaphorical or figurative gender to certain objects. This practice is often poetic or quaint rather than grammatical. For instance, ships and large machinery are traditionally referred to using feminine pronouns like "she." This metaphorical usage stems from historical conventions and emotional attachment rather than linguistic rules. Similarly, countries or entities like France may be personified with feminine pronouns in literary contexts.

While this figurative gendering of objects is less common in modern English, it persists in specific contexts or dialects. For example, some speakers may use masculine pronouns for tools or individuated items in certain regional varieties of English. However, these practices are declining and are often considered outdated by contemporary style guides.

Overall, English remains largely neutral in its treatment of objects, reserving gender distinctions for natural gender or figurative expressions.

But why are Masculine and Feminine Words not Used on Neutral Objects?

In English Grammar, using these gender-biased words helps personify the objects or reflect on a poetic involvement with them. 

Feminine Gender Words are used for vehicles to showcase the love and affection individuals have towards their vehicles. Apart from this, feminising large machines such as ships, is a traditional practice with 14th-century texts marking “ships” as She. 

• I have recently bought a new Mercedes. She’s a real head-turner; everyone stops to look when we drive by. 

When it’s about the computer or other robots, then it has been noticed that both He and She are used depending on the statement or the emotional context of the user. 

The nations have traditionally been represented as feminine, even though their usage is archaic. 

The metaphorical gender is also a key approach that helps eliminate gender even for personalities with natural gender. For instance; “It” is a form of metamorphic gender word that helps eliminate gender from situations which are further used in the case of babies and animals. It is often difficult to ascertain the gender of an animal or a baby, so the pronoun “it” is often used to refer to them.  However, the singular form of “they” is generally considered to be more polite as “it” is a rather dehumanising pronoun.

If you are working on your English vocabulary or the words that are commonly used, then you should also be aware of how to use gender words most effectively. Such aspects are significantly important when you are preparing for exams such as the IELTS Exam 2025 or the TOEFL Exam 2025. 

The best examples of such words are “fireman” or “policeman”.  Since these words evoke a masculine person for roles that could be either, gender-inclusive terms like “fire fighter” and “police officer” are generally preferred. Further, despite the existence of words such as actress or waitress, the words i.e., “actor” and “waiter” are more commonly used to denote an all-encompassing role regardless of the gender of the person doing the role. 

Gender Inclusive languages or words are becoming a new norm to create an inclusive society. Not only that but also these words help promote inclusion and eliminate bias. Traditionally in organisations, a post named “chairman” existed. Such was because majorly of these positions were vacated by men, but it didn’t prevent or restrict women’s ability to hold these places. Hence, a gender-inclusive word that is most commonly being used nowadays is “chairperson”. 

The word “chairperson” simply doesn’t reveal the gender identity but still indicates the seniority of the position.

The IELTS test involves multiple sections of reading, writing and speaking. Also, at each level, you are expected to choose a proper vocabulary or ensure a perfect choice of words that can represent your feelings and intentions. Hence, whenever in doubt or want to make the sentence gender-neutral, you can prefer using the gender-neutral words.

It can be concluded that having a strong and effective vocabulary is important to score well in English Eligibility Tests such as the IELTS Exam, PTE Exam or the TOEFL Exam. Gender words in the English language are a part of the English grammar or vocabulary that every candidate should be aware of. 

You can further reach out to experienced English language trainers at the best IELTS coaching in your city such as the best IELTS coaching Delhi i.e., Meridean Overseas. The experts can not only help you with your IELTS or English grammar preparation but can also better guide you to secure your seat at your dream college abroad. Still confused and looking for a guide in your study abroad journey? Connect with Meridean Overseas Study Abroad Consultants now.

If you are preparing for English Eligibility Tests, you can further read these blogs:

• What Is A Good IELTS Score & How To Achieve It?

• IELTS Exam Dates in India 2025: Month-wise Calendar & Exam Centers

• Types of TOEFL Exam: IBT, PBT, CBT and More

• PTE Accepting Colleges and Universities in Canada for 2025

• Top 10 Exams for Studying Abroad: IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, and More!

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